Computer Science: It’s Easier Than You Think

Staff Development Guide

Training Situation: Training (large group)

Length: 155 minutes

Objective: Participants will explore what computer science is, why it is important for youth in their program, and how they can successfully teach computer science.

Agenda:

• Welcome and introduction – 5 minutes
• Is it computer science? – 15 minutes
• What is computer science? – 10 minutes
• See the skill in action – 15 minutes
• Hands-on learning – 60 minutes
• Debrief – 15 minutes
•  How to organize a computer science activity – 15 minutes
• Action plan – 25 minutes
•  Conclusion – 5 minutes

Video-Based Learning Module

What the activity overview video. This video shows staff facilitating the activity featured in the skill video.

As you watch the skill video below, think about these questions:

• How do the mentors describe computer science?
• What did the facilitators do to make the activity successful?
• What are some of the problems youth were trying to solve as they worked on their programs?

Now that you’ve watched the video, reflect on what you saw.

• How would you help connect computer science to everyday activities that you do?
• How would you facilitate an activity that requires computers?
• How would you introduce computer science to a group of novice coders?