The Spring into CS Summit, held March 16 in Redding, brought together computer science enthusiasts from around Northern California — including Plumas County — for an interactive day of professional development, networking and technology discovery. Organizers reported that participants were energized and excited to discuss computer science concepts and evolving CS standards for K-12 classrooms.
The event was hosted by the Butte County Office of Education in partnership with CS4NorCal and Stanislaus County Office of Education and welcomed over 100 computer enthusiasts in attendance. Educators learned new strategies for teaching computer science at every grade and age level, while engaging with the latest trends and technology, specifically with a focus on access and inclusion in rural areas.
Highlights included a keynote address by Adam Welcome and presentations by Kat Goyette, the computer science coordinator for the California Department of Education. Nikki Navta from Code.org, and Jake Carr and Nathan Collins, hosts of the podcast “What Teachers Have to Say,” also spoke and shared the need for computer science. Carr and Collins had an on-site recording area for teachers to stop and share insights throughout the day.
An e-textiles session facilitated by Rudy Escobar and Amy Bultena, from the Stanislaus County Office of Education, taught participants about wearable technology. They provided materials to create a wearable backpack with LED lights illuminated by a micro bit.
The event’s Hands-On Playground included two different rooms where teams learned about coding and programming for different grade levels:
- K-2 educators used Sphero indi robot cars to build their own mazes, teaching problem solving and computational thinking skills.
- Educators for higher grade levels learned to program a Sphero robot to run through a maze on the floor.
Participants said they were thrilled to gain new strategies for teaching and integrating computer science concepts effectively through hands-on activities across content areas.
The Spring into CS Summit complements the work of Seasons of CS and CS4NorCal, providing computer science focused resources and professional learning at no cost to educators. Organizers said the summit stemmed from the regional need to create a network of educators committed to increased access to computer science learning for K-12 students as a means of promoting student inclusion and achievement.
Learn more about CS4NorCal at https://www.cs4norcal.org/.
Information provided by CS4NorCal
