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  • How to Teach Computer Science–Keep it Simple

    Pick one topic at a time (I broke that rule today).

    Keep it very short, two examples at the most. 

    Show live code.

    Give your students time to do it and ask questions.  Show your student(s) questions to the group as often as possible.

    Don’t repeat yourself.  If you repeat yourself, people will zone out on you.

  • How to Teach Computer Science at any level

    I am going to start doing more of this type of post since some conversations with Grace Hopper students

    Don't talk much. Have a point to make, make it and offer to answer questions.

    Use your class time for students to do computer science and dig them out of their holes.

    Let the students talk.

    Sent from my Windows Phone

  • Grace Hopper

    #ghc2011 #k12

    Have had an absolutely fabulous time and am going next year.

    Might even be persuaded to speak.

    Everyone and everything was wonderful.

    Sent from my Windows Phone

  • Breakout BYOB

    The bad thing about teaching CS for 20 years is that it is hard to find things you haven’t seen.

    Since BYOB is the newest thing I have done, and since I was comfortable in this room, I stayed.

    Sent from my Windows Phone

  • Keynote

    #ghc2011 #k12

    good keynote on diversity in computing

    Had a problem with a blanket statement about immigrants. Not all want their girls to go to college.

    Sent from my Windows Phone

  • Speed Dating

    Had to be really hard for the presentation, but they set up 9 tables with representatives from Google, Microsoft, Tapestry, etc who have opportunities and resources for teachers.

    A great way to get the word out. 

    Got to see Pat Phillips!

    Sent from my Windows Phone

  • Lego Robotics

    #ghc2011 #k12

    The first session is on Lego Robotics. 

    The first speaker is a former mom and was preaching to the choir for me as it was a sales pitch for FIRST.

    The second speaker is a former competitor and mentor is talking about teaching programming. 

    she actually wrote an AI program for the NXT. Picture is of her code that she wrote as a teenager.

    I got napped and had a conversation during the third presentation but she also talked about Lego Robotics.

    Sent from my Windows Phone

    Download WP_000072.jpg

  • Grace Hopper Women ln Computing

    #ghc2011 #k12

    I arrived in Portland Oregon at about 10:00 am their time. Met up with a colleague who teaches CS on Austin.

    We separated at the convention. I checked in, went through the exhibit hall and have met a ton of really cool women. I want to hug all the college girls, they are all so cute and cool and earnest.

    Had lunch with the Systers which was really great, but what happens with Systers stays with Systers.

    Sent from my Windows Phone

  • Game Programming Class Next Year

    Apparently I and another friend were NOT invited to a meeting.  Honestly I don’t care, as I got what I wanted without being there — the best kind of meeting EVER.  I feel bad for him.

    <HAPPY DANCE>

    My school gets to be the pilot of the Games Programming class that has been included in the TEKS that were approved last summer.

    We will put it on the choice sheets and if it makes, it will be the beginnings of the district course.  Will it make <evil grin>  The fun part is that all my old CS students can take the course, as it will have a different PIMS code.

    See, best kind of meeting.  I didn’t have to go and I got what i wanted.

    I’m having an excellent job year, even though my personal life sucks (see http://www.kweave.org/blog for the details.

  • Good News

    Our school won a grant from the Junior League of Dallas which will allow us to have a second robot.