In this session we will look into the KISS Institute Drone Challenge Curriculum Program. This program at minimum can span one semester and longer. It starts teaching with fundamental programming concepts leading up to more difficult material. Programing taught is in the Python programming language and the program also utilizes the Parrot Mambo MiniDrones and the PyParrot programming library. The session will go over what material is covered in the curriculum and the structure of the program. Some drones will be provided and available during the session so active participants can try their hand at some simple autonomous programming. To actively participate, a laptop (Mac or Windows) is required.
eSports. Short for "electronic sports." Otherwise known as competitive video gaming. It's not new, but it's the hottest things for teenagers and young adults. What is it? How does it work? Who organizes it? So many questions and plenty of answers! This session is geared towards any educator who is looking for an after-school program aimed at students interested in video games and competitive gaming. The way we see it: we know kids play video games at home, and they're probably playing them in your class. Why not put their skills to use and embrace their talents and abilities?
Director of the Richardson High School Computer Science Magnet, Richardson ISD
I've been teaching for 13 years (11 years in computer science). Along with my students (past and present) and fellow computer science teachers, we've developed a successful, award-winning, state-recognized computer science program at Richardson High School. Some of the things we do... Read More →
Want to build your own computer science proficiency and skills? In this session, you’ll learn about the free tools within Code.org to facilitate your own learning. Once you finish and are confident in your block-based programming language understanding, we’ll cover recommendations for continuing education to pursue text-based programming and perhaps … CS certification?
Consultant, Digital Age Learning, Education Service Center, Region 20
Talk to me about all things technology integration and computer science! I am a Google for Education Certified Innovator and Trainer, Discovery Education Certified Trainer, Edpuzzle and Wakelet certified and hold many other industry certifications. I am a Seesaw Ambassador and love... Read More →
Join this interactive session for a crash course in the basics of the programming language Python. Python is a programming language that lets you work quickly and integrate systems more efficiently. It is a widely used general-purpose, high level programming language.
GameSalad for Education is a game development platform combined with a curriculum that teaches students the computer science concepts used while they create video games. In this session participants will be building a video game while getting a tour of the educator features of GameSalad.
Tan Tran is co-founder of GameSalad, Inc. Through its Creator game creation tool and GameSalad for Education platform, GameSalad's mission is to turn game players into game creators.
Learn to build a K12 CS program for your school or district by combining new funding sources, strategic planning and an equity focus. Combine new Texas legislative funds and existing operational funds for the program, without needing new grants. Explore implementation examples and consider processes to customize a solution for student and teacher CS learning sequences. Identify key elements of the program that support greater participation and equity. Take part in interactive activities throughout to integrate these ideas and your school or district’s challenges and priorities. Leave the session with concrete next steps to grow CS in your school or district.
Recent CS Graduate, CS Education Researcher, Princeton University
Sally has researched Computer Science Education extensively while earning her CS degree. She is especially interested in making CS more accessible to women and minority groups, and increasing exposure to CS in rural and low-income schools. She has written two papers with the help... Read More →
Computer Science Project Manager, WeTeach_CS, Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)
John B. Owen is a founding member of WeTeach_CS, in partnership with Dr. Carol Fletcher and Amy Carrell, and serves as the chief writer and producer of all computer science related professional development. This includes several projects since 2015, including in-person workshops for... Read More →
Is this your first glimpse into computer science and want to learn a free and easy way to start without too much stress or fuss? If so, this is the place for you. Code.Org is a nonprofit organization that offers FREE professional development, FREE curriculum and FREE lesson plans geared towards each individual grade level in K-5. It's as easy as 1-2-3.
Gianna is currently a K-12 STEM Engagement Program Specialist at the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), a joint center of Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Gianna is also a science and STEM consultant, presenting and facilitating teacher training... Read More →
NOTE: Please bring a laptop, tablet, or chromebook to this session. Have you ever wanted to learn about drag-and-drop programming but don’t know where to start? This hour-long introductory course is for you! We will be starting at the beginning with creating accounts and crafting simple programs. By the end, you will have the skills to make a simple video game (and bring what you've learned back to your school!). Perfect for teachers of grades 3 through 8.
Project Specialist, Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)
rtorbey@tacc.utexas.eduRyan Torbey is a computer science education advocate and former technology teacher. He is employed at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) as a Project Specialist as he pursues his PhD in STEM Education at the University of Texas. His research focuses... Read More →
