Micro:Bit in the Library
Micro:Bit in the Library may serve as an alternative to the face-to-face training required for K-8 Library Media Specialists who wish to receive the micro:bit kit through ADE. Although only K-8 Library Media Specialists are eligible to apply for the micro:bit kit, this course is a great resource for any educator who is interested in learning how to use the BBC micro:bit in the classroom.
In this course, Tammy Glass, Leslie Savall, and Kelly Griffin, three computer science specialists for the state of Arkansas, provide training on the use of the BBC micro:bit. The specialists begin by sharing some background information on computer programming and explaining why Arkansas is known as the leading state in computer science education. Ms. Glass and Ms. Griffin provide tutorials on handling the micro:bit safely, on coding programs for the micro:bit using Microsoft's MakeCode Blocks Editor, and on uploading programs to the device itself. The MakeCode Blocks Editor contains an emulator, making it easy to work along with the tutorials even without access to a micro:bit. The specialists also discuss lessons that use children's literature and the micro:bit to embed computer science across the curriculum. Projects presented within this course address literacy, math and science concepts, data collection, coding, computational thinking, and problem solving.
Micro:Bit in the Library was recorded on February 8th, 2018 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas.
Computer Science Initiative - Overview
This course is an overview of the Arkansas Computer Science Initiative. Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science Education, and panel members, Russellville Superintendent Dr. Mark Gotcher, Lake Hamilton 8-12 Computer Science Teacher Karma Turner, and Bryant K-12 Science Specialist Greg Wertenberger discuss the need for an appropriate computer science education. They explain the responsibilities of districts, schools, and teacher licensure requirements, discussing the opportunities presented by the CS Flex Credit and Completer Pathways. Diversity in computer science is a key area for growth in our state and across the nation, and the panel shares information regarding the wealth of resources available to help build a strong, diverse computer science program.
Computer Science Initiative - Overview, which was recorded at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas on April 4, 2018, is a pre-requisite training required for many state provided face-to-face computer science professional development offerings. If required for face-to-face trainings, it will be listed in the registration description and/or an email notification of that requirement will be sent to all registered participants.
Coding Block: Exploring the Basics
What is computational thinking? What are algorithms and programs? What tools are out there that can help me teach these concepts? These are questions you may be asking yourself if you are new to teaching computer science. Exploring the Basics is the first course in a three-part series intended to provide teachers of the seventh and eighth grade coding block with essential information regarding relevant computer science standards and programming skills. In this course, you will join Zack Spink, Computer Science Specialist for the state of Arkansas, in exploring the fundamental basics of computer programming.
In Coding Block: Exploring the Basics, Mr. Spink defines several content-specific terms and discusses things to consider when choosing the tools students will use in class. He also provides a brief tutorial for using JavaScript within Pencil Code, a free, browser-based programming environment. This course is intended for teachers who are new to the concepts of computer programming.
Coding Block: Making Decisions
Making Decisions is the second course in a three-part series intended to provide teachers of the seventh and eighth grade coding block with essential information regarding relevant computer science standards, as well as programming concepts and skills. Join Zack Spink, Computer Science Specialist for the state of Arkansas, as he explores how computers use data to make decisions.
In Coding Block: Making Decisions, Mr. Spink explains how computers store, reference, and evaluate information in order to make decisions about which blocks of code to run. He uses JavaScript with the browser-based Pencil Code programming environment to demonstrate concepts and skills related to using variables, different types of operators and expressions, conditionals, and loops in a code.
Coding Block: Fundamental Skills
Fundamental Skills is the third course in a three-part series intended to provide teachers of the seventh and eighth grade coding block with essential information regarding relevant computer science standards and programming skills. Join Zack Spink, Computer Science Specialist for the state of Arkansas, as he explores some of the basic concepts and skills necessary for computer programming.
In Coding Block: Fundamental Skills, Mr. Spink describes how commonly used functions and algorithms work in general and utilizes JavaScript in the browser-based Pencil Code programming environment to illustrate examples of specific situations. He also explains debugging, providing an in-depth description of different types of bugs that can occur and listing several effective strategies for catching and correcting such errors.
SMACtalk for Teachers: Online Etiquette
As students spend more time learning and socializing online, we all need to work together to ensure our students stay healthy and safe. The social media awareness campaign, SMACtalk, was formed in response to this need. SMACtalk for Teachers is a series featuring an audio podcast published by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of SMACtalk For Teachers is to raise awareness, provide resources, and increase communication for parents, teachers, and students.
This course is the first in a SMACtalk for Teachers series. The host, Cassandra Barnett, has been a school librarian for 42 years and is currently the Program Advisor for School Libraries for the Arkansas Department of Education. As advocates for digital citizenship, school librarians teach students how to behave ethically and responsibly when online.In episode one of the podcast series, Cassandra and Dr. Robin Finley discuss ways to partner with students to help them positively engage with the digital world and become better digital citizens.
In episode two of the podcast series, the focus is online etiquette, specifically, how educators can model appropriate online behavior for students and encourage students to interact responsibly in online communities.
SMACtalk for Teachers: Vetting Information
As students spend more time learning and socializing online, we all need to work together to ensure our students stay healthy and safe. The social media awareness campaign, SMACtalk, was formed in response to this need. SMACtalk for Teachers is a series featuring an audio podcast published by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of SMACtalk For Teachers is to raise awareness, provide resources, and increase communication for parents, teachers, and students.
This course is the third in a SMACtalk for Teachers series. The host, Cassandra Barnett, has been a school librarian for 42 years and is currently the Program Advisor for School Libraries for the Arkansas Department of Education. As advocates for digital citizenship, school librarians teach students how to behave ethically and responsibly when online.
In episode four of the podcast series, Cassandra takes the seat as our guest. Robin Finley, Alma School District Administrator and guest from the first two episodes, will be leading the role as host for this round as the pair to discuss vetting information.
SMACtalk for Teachers: Privacy Protection
As students spend more time learning and socializing online, we all need to work together to ensure our students stay healthy and safe. The social media awareness campaign, SMACtalk, was formed in response to this need. SMACtalk for Teachers is a series featuring an audio podcast published by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of SMACtalk for Teachers is to raise awareness, provide resources, and increase communication for parents, teachers, and students.
This course is the fourth in a SMACtalk for Teachers series. The host, Cassandra Barnett, has been a school librarian for 42 years and is currently the Program Advisor for School Libraries for the Arkansas Department of Education. As advocates for digital citizenship, school librarians teach students how to behave ethically and responsibly when online.
SMACtalk for Teachers: Establishing an Online Presence
As students spend more time learning and socializing online, we all need to work together to ensure our students stay healthy and safe. The social media awareness campaign, SMACtalk, was formed in response to this need. SMACtalk for Teachers is a series featuring an audio podcast published by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of SMACtalk For Teachers is to raise awareness, provide resources, and increase communication for parents, teachers, and students.
SMACtalk for Teachers: Online Dangers
As students spend more time learning and socializing online, we all need to work together to ensure our students stay healthy and safe. The social media awareness campaign, SMACtalk, was formed in response to this need. SMACtalk for Teachers is a series featuring an audio podcast published by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of SMACtalk for Teachers is to raise awareness, provide resources, and increase communication for parents, teachers, and students.
This course is the sixth in a SMACtalk for Teachers series. The host, Cassandra Barnett, has been a school librarian for 42 years and is currently the Program Advisor for School Libraries for the Arkansas Department of Education. As advocates for digital citizenship, school librarians teach students how to behave ethically and responsibly when online.