Bringing together teachers, administrators, business leaders, and researchers to investigate innovative ways to integrate computer science into the rural, K-8, classroom.
CS Integration Spring Learning Series – State of Computer Science Integration in Maine
Presented by integrate – 2 – innovate, a project of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
With support from Educate Maine, EDC, and the Maine Department of Education.
Join us – each Wednesday in May, from 3:00 to 4:00, to learn about efforts across rural school districts to integrate computer science into the K-8 curriculum. Participants will learn about current initiatives and take part in interactive discussions that will help inform the next steps for rural classrooms. This special series of informational sessions, hosted by i2i participants, is free and open to the public. We NEED your insights – whether you are a classroom teacher, administrator, community partner, or business leader – please join us. Help shape the future of computer science in Maine classrooms and beyond.
Session 1: Wednesday, May 6th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
Topic: What IS computer science and where do we find it Maine classrooms?
Hosts: Chrissy Parkinson (AOS 91 MDI), Josh Young (AOS 91 MDI), Sharon Imbert (MSAD 46 Dexter), Matt Drewette-Card (MSAD 46 Dexter)
- Dive into the nuances of how we collectively define and understand computer science.
- Examine the overlap in Math, Science, and Computer Science practices.
- Identify where computer science might exist in a K-8 classroom by walking through an i2i-generated, observation, tool
- Share ideas and experiences with other educators about where integration can take place and how we can root those integrations in our community.
Session 2: Wednesday, May 13th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
Topic: What are the barriers to and potential opportunities for integrating computer science?
Hosts: Corinna Caron (MSAD 46 Dexter), Jennifer Batron (MSAD 46 Dexter), Amanda Gallant (MSAD 46 Dexter), Jessica Wilkey (MSAD 44 Bethel)
- Identify common barriers to CS integration.
- Review results of i2i research on barriers and discuss the implications in your own community.
- Generate and discuss potential innovations to overcome these barriers.
Session 3: Wednesday, May 20th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
Topic: How can we connect computer science to our local communities and businesses? What skills and practices inherent in CS education are present in the local job market and/or will be needed in the future workforce?
Hosts: Leanne Waldie (MSAD 44 Bethel), Michelle Whitman (AOS 91 MDI), Lynn Hanna (AOS 91 MDI)
- Discover where CS is hiding in our local communities and businesses.
- Meet with what local business representatives and find out what skills and practices they are looking for in the next generation of employees.
- How do we make these connections? Share your own experiences working alongside local community partners and add to our growing body of knowledge.
Session 4: Wednesday, May 27th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
Topic: CS Integration Lesson Fair – examples and insights from teachers in the field.
Hosts: Alice Lee (MSAD 44 Bethel), Megan Howe (MSAD 44 Bethel), Erin Deprey (MSAD 44 Bethel), Peter Hedden (MSAD 44 Bethel), Ben Macko (AOS 91, MDI), Kim Grant (MSAD 46 Dexter), Jess Mallar (RSU 68 Dover)
- Experience examples of lessons designed/modified by Maine teachers that integrate CS practices and principles into the K-8 Classroom.
- Examples include lessons from math, science, and ela courses at all grade levels.
- Teachers will share their experiences (good, bad, and ugly), the lessons learned, and the resources they utilized.
Interested in sponsoring this series? We currently have several i2i Spring Learning Series Sponsorship Opportunities available. FMI or to sign up visit our sponsorship page.
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