"A new report co-authored at Carnegie Mellon reveals an alarming decline in computer science education in U.S. elementary, middle and high schools. Several programs developed at CMU are helping to reverse the trend."

By Meghan Holohan

"The boxy robot chugged across the playing field with its target in sight as its designers watched with pride.

The designers—a group of teenagers, including 15-year-old Brendan Meeder—had programmed the Lego robot to knock black-and-white Ping-Pong balls off of a ledge, and then collect them with its mechanical arm. They’d tested their programming and engineering thoroughly. Everything was going according to plan.

But it wouldn’t have been an easy task, even if the robot were alone on the field. Unfortunately, it was playing Botball against other robots that had also been programmed to collect Ping-Pong balls. The team whose robot collected the most balls would win. Now another robot rushed across the playing field, cutting off the robot built by Meeder’s team. And then a third robot that resembled a heavy cart rammed into the shelves, knocking the balls out of reach of its competitors.  Suddenly..."

To read more of this article, please visit the following URL:
http://link.cs.cmu.edu/article.php?a=581

The federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program (http://www.nitrd.gov/) is seeking comments on K-12 CS Education based on a lot of outreach that CSTA and ACM have done over the past few years. They are asking three sets of questions about K-12 CS education:

“The Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) report calls for fundamental changes in K-12 STEM education in the United States, including the incorporation of computer science (CS) as an essential component.

• What CS concepts are important to effective elementary, secondary, and post-secondary curricula? Among these concepts, which are commonly found in curricula today? Which are missing?
•  What do teachers need (including preparation and training, tools, and resources) to be able to deliver CS education effectively?
•  What factors are important in promoting student interest in CS?”

Individuals and organizations have the opportunity to comment. I think we are going to repurpose some high-level comments we've made in the past to have the Computing in the Core coalition comment, but those with specific knowledge and deep thoughts on these issues should comment.

This is a great opportunity for members of the CSTA Leadership Cohort and CSTA Chapters to provide direct feedback on federal policies that directly impact K-12 computer science education. It isn't often that the community gets asked for advice on these issues, so I strongly urge you to submit your comments at:
http://www.nitrd.gov/pcast%2D2010/report/nitrd%2Dprogram/comments/

Chris

Dr. Chris Stephenson
Executive Director
Computer Science Teachers Association

PACSE Spring Symposium

April 7, 2011, 4-6:30pm

Villanova University

Bartley Hall 3010

For this symposium, PACSE is partnering with the Villanova University  Technology for the 21st Century Education Expo, which will be held on the same day (9am-4pm) before our symposium.

The Villanova University Technology Expo is an opportunity for the regional education community to see the latest technology from leading vendors, learn from informative keynote speakers and connect with peers to find solutions and best practices. The Technology Expo is free to attendees, and is a worthwhile and affordable way to bring together technology providers that want to demonstrate their latest technology solutions, along with attendees who wish to broaden their knowledge and network with colleagues.

PACSE will have an information booth and a presentation at the Technology Expo.

Technology Expo is FREE for attendees; however, registration is required.

Please visit http://www.unit.villanova.edu/techexpo/ to learn more about the Technology Expo, which promises to be a great opportunity for PACSE members.

Program

4:00 Meet and greet -Bartley Hall 3010

4:30 Break out groups - Session 1 

• Computer Science Principles -- a potential new AP course– Bartley Hall 3010
• Computational Thinking across the curriculum– Bartley Hall 033

5:00 Break out groups- Session 2

• Mobile apps – Bartley Hall 3010
• Transitioning from Scratch to Java – Bartley Hall 033

5:30 Group discussion -Bartley Hall 3001

• SIGCSE sharing
• Ideas for new courses

6:15 Wrap-up -Bartley Hall 3001