KERA JOHNSONAlbert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow

National Science Foundation

Computer & Information Science & EngineeringDivision Of Computer & Network Systems

CPATHResearch Experiences for

Teachers

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CPATH Research Experiences for Teachers

Purpose Bridge the divide between K-12 and institutions of

higher learning

Vision Teachers become a part of research teams giving

the higher ed CS community ability to connect with K-12 environments through a variety of disciplines.

Teachers do research on the connections between the CPATH projects and their curricula and implement CT units in their classes.

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RET Activities

Summer Research (6 weeks)

Professional Development

School Year Implementation

CPATH RET Meeting

National Meeting/Conference

Contribute to RET Teacher Portal

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2009-2010 RET Teachers

9 CPATH Projects20 RET TeachersVariety of K-12 Subjects

Mathematics (all levels) Science (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) Technology Education Computer Science Special Education Music Instructional Technology

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Middle Tennessee StateA Real-World, Project-Based Computer Science Curriculum

Middle Tennessee StateA Real-World, Project-Based Computer Science Curriculum

University of Massachusetts LowellPerformamatics

University of Massachusetts LowellPerformamatics

Sample 2009-2010 RET Projects

Research: Computer-aided materials connecting

math to CT CS students implement design

Activities:

1. Math Text Focuses on understanding & using

algebraic vocabulary Units of study: Linear Equations &

Their Graphs, Quadratic Equations and Functions

2. Bug Zapper Promotes CT by creating situations

where students must establish an order of hierarchy, recognize unnecessary information, and create a best solution

Research: Constructionist theories of learning

Role of music in society and culture

Impact of technology on experiencing & creating music

Activities:

1. Scratch After school Video Game Design and

Programming Club

2. Audacity Implementation of a sound system in

performance music rooms

Development of podcasts

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2010 RET MEETING

MARCH 4TH – 5TH Arlington, VA

1st ANNUAL MEETING

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RET Meeting DAY 1

Jeannette Wing on CT in K-12

Collaborative Portal

EF Program

Challenges/Successes

Focus Groups

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RET Meeting DAY 2

CS Ed Week

National Lab Day/AP Testing

K-12 Teacher Opportunities

Poster Session

Social Networking & K-12

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RET Meeting Outcomes

Teachers have better understanding of CT

Teachers provided feedback on RET Teacher Portal

Generated ideas for CT integration in K-12

Established network of educators

Ongoing teacher collaborations

Feedback for NSF and PIs

Pictures to promote RET program

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Recommendations for PIs

Provide teacher with information regarding: NSF CPATH program and goals

Your CPATH project

Computational Thinking

Clearly define and communicate: Proposed RET project’s purpose/goals

Required teacher activities

Expectations for teacher to implement CT activities during school year

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PI Teacher Connections

PI should try to determine specific limitations of teachers’ K-12 environment and district guidelines

More collaboration between PI and RET teacher to plan CT activities to be integrated

Work with RET teacher to better understand students’ needs and which CT activities best meet these needs

PIs encouraged to visit teachers’ classrooms (spring semester)

Work with teachers on conference attendance and presentation/poster ideas

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Additional Feedback

RET teachers want an early, in-depth introduction to Computational Thinking (i.e. the Big Picture)

FAQ document for RET teachers

Sample RET projects (posted on RET teacher portal)

Successful use of graduate students to bridge gap between K-12 and institution

Most positive feedback from teachers who Worked closely with PI and/or institution throughout RET experience Were made to feel apart of the CPATH project team Made meaningful contributions to CPATH project Participated in planning/developing CT activities, as well as implementation

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2010 - 2011 RET Program

NSF planning already underway

Plans to have 40-50 teachers

Communicating with teachers beginning in early summer

Planning for next year’s RET Meeting to take place in Fall

Supported by incoming Einstein Fellow

Soliciting your feedback on how to improve the RET program

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