You’re a Computational Thinker

You’re a Computational Thinker

Staff Development Guide

Training Situation: Training (large group)

Length: 120 minutes

Objective: Participants will learn how they are computational thinkers, how these practices fit into other activities, and how to develop computational thinking practice with youth.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and introduction – 5 minutes
  • Introduce the skill – 20 minutes
  • Hands-on learning – 30 minutes
  • See the skill in action – 20 minutes
  • Exploring computational thinking – 30 minutes
  • Personal reflection – 10 minutes
  • Conclusion – 5 minutes

Download Staff Development Guide - Face-to-Face Version

Download

Download Staff Development Guide - Virtual Version

Download

Video-Based Learning Module

Wat 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:

  • When preparing computer science learning opportunities what does Dagen think about or plan ahead of time?
  • How does Dagen adapt the activity to support youth in seeing themselves as computational thinkers?
  • What positive and negative emotions do you see in the video? Are they learning to manage emotions in this activity?

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

  • How would you help the youth develop a STEM identity?
  • What are three ideas you have for ensuring that a computer science activity runs smoothly?
  • Do you think Dagen was successful in having the youth see themselves as computational thinkers? Why or why not?

Explore More Like This

A Class Meeting

Plan a class meeting to learn how to give youth more control in the learning space.

Project-Based Learning: An Overview

Engage with the components of projects-based learning to learn ways to support giving youth control.

Tinkering

Learn how tinkering is important to learning in computer science and prepare to engage youth in directing their learning.