New School Year New Classes

I sure hope that your new school has started off with a bang! With all the changes in computer science this year you are very likely teaching something you have never taught before. I totally get it! I was there two years ago. It is such an overwhelming feeling. There is no curriculum and you walk in and you don't really understand the words you are seeing. Some of your students have no idea why they are even in your class and others are WAY over your head. What do you do? Where do you turn? How will I survive?

So here are some pointers from my first year of teaching computer science. Early on ADMIT that you don't know everything and don't pretend that you do. I was the first to admit that I didn't know the answer. But, what do you do if you don't know the answer? Find a group of teachers that can help you! Find one of the computer science specialist! CALL ME or EMAIL ME. There is also the great resource of the arkidscancode list serve. Join here.

Next thing you can do is join the Google Classroom that the specialist set up to get help on the Praxis, Curriculum and upcoming events. Send me an email and I will send you the join code.

Next tip. Don't resort to letting the "play games" while you try to figure it out. Find something to keep them busy, code.org or researching a career in computer science or even colleges in Arkansas that offer Computer Science related degrees. This will save you lots of trouble later. Most important have fun! If you are having a great year then your students are more likely to have a great year.

Until next time....... Drop the Code and Make CS Great!