Code.org K-5/6
Professional Learning Workshops
For all- Free forever Code.org curriculum, the online student learning platform, and access to teachers and Code.org community are available to all schools year-round at no cost. The Alaska Staff Development Network computer science program manager and facilitators are eager to help you prepare for full implementation.
Workshop Descriptions
Foundational- Getting Started
Intro to CS Fundamentals for K-5 (virtual)
Three - 2.25 hours sessions
Join us for a dynamic workshop designed for elementary educators with little or no experience in teaching computer science. Explore how coding connects with ELA, math, social studies, and science, making integration into your curriculum seamless and meaningful. Gain the confidence to bring computer science into your classroom and inspire your students with the skills of the future.
Optional 1 UAA 500 Credit work
No cost to you!!!!
1 Credit for three after-school Virtual 2.25 hours sessions
*combined with online tasks through Canvas to deepen your understanding of the resources, tool, CS connections, Hour of Code, and Alaska Computer Science Standards.
Beyond Foundational CS
CS Basics for K-5 Teachers
90 min (virtual)
Need description
Teaching CS Connections for grades 2-6
90 min (virtual)
CS Connections is a comprehensive curriculum that seamlessly integrates computer science (CS) into various subjects, such as math, English language arts, science, and social studies. This year’s launch is designed specifically for elementary teachers who don’t teach CS or who are new to CS; these modules empower educators to integrate CS with other subjects, reinforcing, strengthening, and extending student learning.
Good Article about CS Connections
Teaching Elementary Game Design for grades 3-5
90 min (virtual)
Need description
Teaching Micro:bit Maker for grades 2-5/6
3 hours (virtual) Only 18 accepted forr 2025
This physical computing & Micro:bits workshop focuses on how to give students experiences with physical computing through the use of Micro:bits and other devices. We will explore how to include and engage all learners in a positive introduction to computer science concepts. We will also briefly explore the updates and new materials on the Code.org site. Target Audience: Grade 2-6 educators who have completed any CSF (CS Fundamentals ) Introductory workshop.
Apply now so we can mail your Micro:bit before class starts! Upon completion teachers will receive the remainder of their classroom set (10 micro:bits total).
Spring Educator Mini Series- Three sessions,
90 min each (virtual) (Choose one or all)
-Teaching CS fundamentals for K-5 Teachers
-CS Connections
-Teaching How AI Makes Decisions
Ai in Your Practice and Student Learning
AI 101: Demystifying AI for All Educators (K-12)
90 min (virtual)
Gain confidence in using and teaching AI in this engaging virtual workshop. You’ll explore AI literacy, delve into its common applications, and learn guiding principles to effectively evaluate and integrate AI tools. The workshop will also address ethical considerations, data privacy, and responsible practices, ensuring the safe and equitable use of AI in education. Don’t miss this chance to expand your understanding of AI and empower your teaching for the future!
Teaching How Ai Makes Decisions ( 3-5)
90 min (virtual)
Need description
AI 101 for Classroom Teachers and Admin ( For All Edcuators)
Three - 2.25 hours sessions
Need description
Optional 1 UAA 500 Credit work
No cost to you!!!!
1 Credit for three after-school Virtual 2.25 hours sessions
*combined with online tasks through Canvas to deepen your understanding.
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Upcoming Events
AI 101: Demystifying AI for All Educators (K-12)
Dates: Jan. 28, Feb.4, 11
4-6:15
Optional - No cost UAA credit
Register Here
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Ai: Healthy Habits ad Safe Behaviors ( All Educators)
RTI/ MTSS CONF -ANCHORAGE
Lunch and Learn -Join us
Date: Jan 25
11:45-12:15
See ya there!
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Teaching Micro:bit Maker 2-6
Dates: Feb 22
9-12pm
Register Here
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ASTE-Anchorage @Capt Cook Hotel
Dates Feb 15-18
-Artifical Intelligence in Code.org
-Learn and Go with Code.org Lessons 2-8
See ya there!
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Spring CS Mini Series (choose one or all)
1.Teaching CS Fundamentals for K-5 Teachers
Date: Feb 25
4:15-6:00 pm
2. CS Connections for 3-6 Teachers
Date: March 4
4:15-6:00 pm
3. Teaching How AI Makes Decisions for 2-6
Date: April 3
4:15-6:00 PM
Register Here For All Or One
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Intro-CS Fundamentals and CS Connections K-5/6
Dates: April 1, 8, 15
4-6:15 PM
Optional - No cost UAA credit
Register Here
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Contact:
Cheryl Bobo
Contact Email
cbobo@alaskaacsa.org
MATSU teachers share new understandings about computer science.
Credit Class activity-Design a "How to Debug" poster!
Comparing the Intro Workshop and the Deep Dive Workshops for CSf Fundamentals K-5
What is the CS Fundamentals Intro Workshop? A foundational introduction to CS Fundamentals for educators who are interested in learning more and getting started with the course.
Candidates for this workshop are…
● K-5 educators
● New to teaching CS Fundamentals, and might
still be figuring out if they want to teach CS
Fundamentals
High level workshop goals
At the end of the workshop, teachers will know:
● The importance of all students having access to computer science, and the teachers’ role in creating an environment where all students can learn equitably.
● How CS Fundamentals can be used as a tool for bringing computer science to all students.
● What CS Fundamentals courses look like (lesson plans, online activities, unplugged activities).
At the end of the workshop, teachers will have:
● A plan of action to start teaching CS Fundamentals.
● An implementation plan for teaching two CS Fundamentals lessons ● Goals for how deep into the course they would like to try to get. ● Strategies for teaching CS Fundamentals lessons.
● A connection to the community of CS Fundamentals teachers.
What is the CS Fundamentals Deep Dive Workshop? A deep dive into course materials, teaching practices, and strategies for continuing to teach CS Fundamentals. Workshops will begin June 1, 2019. Schedule now!
Candidates for this workshop have…
● Experience teaching CS Fundamentals to K-5 students ● Different prior experiences with PD, including:
○ Attended the CS Fundamentals Intro Workshop,
○ Attended an earlier version of the CS Fundamentals workshop, or Started teaching CS Fundamentals on their own
High level workshop goals
At the end of the workshop, teachers will know:
● The details, philosophy, values, and rationale behind how their CS Fundamentals course is structured.
● The intended approach to teaching CS Fundamentals, including specific classroom practices, and the division of responsibility between students and teachers.
At the end of the workshop, teachers will have:
● A plan for offering more of the CS Fundamentals course. ● Strategies for addressing roadblocks to implementation, including any specific issues experienced in lessons taught thus far.
● Ideas for fostering and developing a strong classroom rapport that nurtures learners of all types.
● A deepened sense of community with CS Fundamentals teachers and a plan for keeping in touch with other teachers in the future.
Top 10 Reasons to Teach Computer Science in Elementary School
by John Waggoner
1. Early exposure to technology: Introducing computer science at an early age helps students become familiar with technology, which will be increasingly important in their future careers.
2. Problem-solving skills: Learning computer science teaches students how to approach problems logically, systematically, and creatively, skills that are useful in many other areas of life.
3. Career readiness: There is a growing demand for computer science professionals, and teaching CS in elementary schools can help prepare students for careers in technology.
4. Improved critical thinking and creativity: Computer science requires students to think critically and creatively, helping to develop these skills at an early age.
5. Encourages teamwork and collaboration: Many computer science projects involve group work, encouraging students to collaborate and communicate effectively.
6. Promotes gender and ethnic diversity: By introducing computer science early, schools can help close the gender and ethnic gap in the tech industry, which has been traditionally dominated by men and certain ethnic groups.
7. Improves math and science skills: Computer science requires a strong understanding of mathematical and scientific concepts, helping to reinforce these subjects.
8. Real-world relevance: Computer science is relevant to students' daily lives and can help make abstract concepts more concrete.
9. Supports individualized learning: Computer science allows for flexible and personalized learning, which can be especially beneficial for students with different learning styles and abilities.
10. Fun and engaging: Computer science can be an enjoyable and engaging subject, helping to increase students' motivation and interest in learning. #teaching #students #school #schools #learning #teamwork #collaboration #CSTA #code