jcsummers
Computer science education (CSed) is on the rise here in Florida. Florida was the first state to adopt computer science standards, and we now have statues in effect which ensures all public school students in Florida receive the opportunity to take computer science courses! With these changes we face not only the issue of promoting and supporting CSed, but ensuring the influx of teachers in the new CSed have the support they need to provide high quality instruction. I have started this list of resources in an effort to provide teachers starting the journey into CSed (or interested in getting started!), and ask that you assist. Please view, vote, comment, and add new resources that these newbies can learn from!
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Florida's computer science standards are currently part of Florida's Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for science. This website allows for the review of these standards separately, and also hosts a document detailing the progression for grades K-12. These standards are not tested, they are intended to be used for computer science courses or in conjunction with other content standards.
CAPLMS is the official repository for the State of Florida’s educational standards, and thousands of free resources that have been developed specifically for the standards and vetted through a rigorous review process. CAPLMS hosts many lesson plans, student tutorials, planning tools, and professional development courses to help educators effectively implement the standards. This is a collection of newly added lessons specifically related to computer science.
Many districts and schools in Florida are partnering with Code.org for their free computer science curriculum. Code.org is a nonprofit with a focus on increasing the access students have to computer science courses. These courses are aligned to CSTA Standards, but some groups are making an effort to create crosswalks to slow alignment with Florida's standards.
Microsoft MakeCode is Microsoft’s free, open source platform for computer science education. MakeCode is designed with the idea of progressing into real-world programming. It students to move from block-based programming into JavaScript when ready. This platform is project based, and is not currently aligned with Florida’s computer science standards.
CS First is Google’s one of answers to supporting and promoting computer science education. CS First is a computer science curriculum focused on grades 4-8, and uses block-bases coding. It is a free curriculum, and is designed to require no experience in computer science to teach. This curriculum is not currently aligned with Florida's computer science standards.
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a group which supports and promotes teaching computer science education. This organization provides support to K-12 teachers teaching computer science in the form of community, professional development, resources, and being active advocates. They currently have more than 25,000 members worldwide.
Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) takes place each December, and is aimed towards increasing K-12 students’ interest in computer science. This week was originally created by the Computing in the Core coalition, but is now support by 350 partners and 100,000 educators worldwide. This site offers many resources on learning and teaching computer science. This is a great site to learn small methods a beginner can use to introduce computer science into your classroom.
Everyone Can Code is a new approach to coding that gives everyone the power to learn, write, and teach code.
Learn to code and mod Minecraft with Tynker's easy-to-learn, visual programming courses. Tynker makes it fun to learn computer programming for 4th through 8th graders.
Learn the technical skills you need for the job you want. As leaders in online education and learning to code, we’ve taught over 45 million people using a tested curriculum and an interactive learning environment. Start with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, Python, Data Science, and more.
With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games.
Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.
Our mission is to bring educators and industry together to create equal opportunity in the educational landscape by bringing technological studies in STEM and CTE to all students.
Alice is used to teach students how to code.
Start coding at your school. Used by over 50% of US Elementary schools, Kodable gives you everything you need to get started - no experience required!
Learn to code! Free summer programs and after-school clubs for teen girls. Explore coding in a fun and friendly environment. Find a program near you!
Learn programming with a multiplayer live coding strategy game for beginners. Learn Python or JavaScript as you defeat ogres, solve mazes, and level up. Open source HTML5 game!
Computer Science Teaching Tips is an NSF funded project for providing tips to Computer Science educators. Supported by Harvey Mudd College and Sagefox Consulting.
