PPS Instructional Technology

As many of you know , this week is  National Computer Science Week  which aligns with the  Hour of Code .  Students all over the country are joining together to learn, explore, and grow with code.  This is a fun opportunity to get our kids excited about a field that will have over 1 million job openings by 2022.  Some of our kiddos and teachers in PPS have already begun their hour of code experience! You may be saying to yourself...I don't know anything about computer science, how can I teach my kids this?  Good news?  There are so many wonderful opportunities out there that are student directed, that you do not need to know ANYTHING about computer science in order to give your students this opportunity.  Below are some excellent resources for getting your kids excited about CS! Code.org : Appropriate for Y5 through Middle School students.  Provides four self directed courses, along with many other outstanding activities inclu...

Are you a Michigan educator looking for a way to engage your students with computer science, but not sure you have the computer know-how to lead a club?  Never fear...Google is here! The Michigan Film and Digital Media Office is partnering with Google to facilitate the Google Computer Science First Program for 4th -8th graders.  Any interested parties can fill out an application to be involved in this free program.  The program is scripted and laid out in a way that ANYONE can facilitate.  Computer Science First provides all the materials (except the computers/chromebooks). There are multiple paths/interest areas/clubs to choose from. According to the CS First Website, "Each CS First club is based on a real-world theme and offers about 10 hours worth of lessons and activities. The different club themes aim to attract and engage students of varying backgrounds and interests. All materials are targeted at students in 4th - 8th grades (or between the ages of 9...