Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes
“In a world that’s increasingly run on technology computer science is a liberal art that every student should be expose to regardless of their path in life.”
Hadi Partovi
Hadi Partovi
The problem in computer science today is twofold. One is the digital divide. Poor families are not in a position to supply their children with the technology they need to stimulate their interest in computer science. While wealthier families can afford whatever the child desires. Uneven distribution of wealth is the real reason for this unfair situation. The other problem is the disregard that formal education had for computer science. For years’ computer science was looked at as an elective that was easily canceled when necessary. But today its value is finally recognized and many districts are playing the catch up game. They are rushing to give training to teachers so they can at least give the students an introduction to computer science. Another gift from the boards of education is that computer science is now a requirement for graduation and not just an elective. The light has been turned on, but has it been turned on too late, time will tell. Minorities are packed into the computer science classes like sardines which makes teaching the subject a challenge. All it takes is a few bad apples and much valuable time is wasted in behavior modification. But overall the schools are finally headed in the right direction, now will the students bite and go into the field, we shell all see.
Stuck in the Shallow End by Jane Margolis is the foundation book for my exploring computer science class. The main problem is keeping the students engaged and educating myself by the ECS classes that are offered every month for a day and teaching myself the next lesson so I do not look like a doofus. I discuss the challenges with my class as they arise. I try my best to motivate them through technology, humor and motivational talks about the great futures they will have if they stick with computer science.
As far as my colleges and group members I keep them informed through my site and through my concerns. My hope is that my enthusiasm and hard work will change the assumptions that so many have about computer science and minorities which perpetuates a system of inequality. Breaking these beliefs is my mission.
As far as my colleges and group members I keep them informed through my site and through my concerns. My hope is that my enthusiasm and hard work will change the assumptions that so many have about computer science and minorities which perpetuates a system of inequality. Breaking these beliefs is my mission.
I have guided discussions about any concerns, dilemmas and celebrations daily. I try to understand my student’s perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards the subject and my teaching. From this information I modify my teaching and learning activities to improve student attainment on a daily basis. For example today my student focus group discussed the good, the bad and the ugly of technology. We talked about multitasking how it could be dangerous especially when using any type of machine. How it can distract our ability to focus on a task and do it correctly. Some students mentioned that in today’s world you almost have to multitask in order to get everything done. I told them to me it looks like some people are almost addicted to multitasking. We also discussed the addiction of gaming and the invasion of privacy. I said that my generation feels it more than they do since they were born into the digital age. We then looked at the benefits of technology in the fields of transportation, medicine and education. We ended the discussion with robots. I told them that I lived through the evolution of the computer and they will live through the evolution of the robots. I told them that I thought the robots would one day become much smarter then we could ever imagine. That would be a new beginning in humanity. These are the kinds of discussions that motivate students to learn more.