Tag: technology
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Embracing Inquiry and Computational Thinking in Your Classroom
Integrate Computer Science: Activities that build computational thinking skills like decomposition and algorithmic thinking across all subjects. Spark Inquiry: Get students actively dissecting topics and asking questions, serving as powerful “pre-work” for deeper learning. Adaptable for Any Subject: Versatile strategies in ELA, History, or STEM to foster curiosity and analytical understanding. In today’s educational landscape,…
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Gold Rush Meets Wi-Fi: Teaching History Through Computer Science
Students learned about packets, routers, and receivers through a Gold Rush-themed activity. Groups created, delivered, and decoded messages using school maps and Internet protocols. The lesson boosted engagement and connected history with computer science. What do the California Gold Rush and computer science have in common? In Mrs. Garges’ 4th grade class, quite a lot!…
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El Monte Middle School’s Google HQ Adventure
El Monte Middle School students from rural Orosi, CA had a life-changing field trip to Google HQ and Stanford University. The Google CodeNext program helped fund this trip, exposing underserved students to tech careers and college. The experience provided many students with significant “firsts,” broadening their worldviews. Orosi, California, is a small, rural community tucked…
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Super Mario, Algorithms, and Iterative Writing
Fourth graders wrote game algorithms to improve writing clarity. Students tested each other’s instructions through Super Mario gameplay. A classic video game became a fun tool for integrated ELA and CS learning. Getting technology into the classroom can open up amazing learning possibilities, and sometimes the coolest lessons come from places you might not expect.…
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Using Google Translate Conversation Mode to Shine
Technology bridges language barriers for students in the classroom. A student’s resilience and determination lead to significant academic and personal growth. Empowering educators with EdTech strategies creates opportunities for student success. What happens when a student faces a language barrier but refused to let it hold her back? You got a powerful reminder of how…
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Power Up Your Social Studies Lesson with Algorithms and Super Mario
History Meets CS: Students use algorithms to map explorers’ and gold seekers’ routes, integrating geography and computational thinking. Lesson Remix with Mario: Teachers kick off with a Super Mario Brothers challenge to build algorithmic thinking in a fun, familiar way. Collaboration and Creativity: Through whiteboard planning, gallery walks, and gameplay testing, students refine and apply…
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Loops, Choices, and Pigs: How One ELA Lesson Brought Computer Science to Life
Role-playing games bring stories and student thinking to life Conditionals and loops deepen understanding of plot and choice Low-tech activities build real-world computational thinking skills What if your students could play through a story instead of just reading it? That’s exactly what one innovative lesson invites them to do—by transforming a classic literary tale into…
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Teach CS Without “Teaching” CS: Cross Content Connections
Infuse CS practices into any K–8 subject with ease and creativity Empower students through storytelling, remixing, and prompt engineering Support equity, engagement, and future-ready skills—all without extra curriculum That’s one of the powerful ideas behind Cross Content Connections, a new coaching tool website developed by members of the Cal-MSCS Grant Computer Science content area team.…
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Discover YourStory: Personal, Fun, Inclusive Learning
Engaging, AI-Powered Learning Across Subjects – Brings all content areas to life with interactive, personalized experiences. Dynamic Tools for Students and Teachers – Includes AI characters, tutors, lesson planners, and more. Inclusive, Mission-Driven Education – Prioritizes diversity, storytelling, and meaningful student growth. Bring Any Subject to Life with AI-Powered Engagement Struggling to get students excited…
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A Week in the Life of an EdTech Coach: Empowering Classrooms with AI
Hands-on PD with AI tools that support differentiation, creativity, and student voice Classroom coaching and co-teaching to bring AI strategies to life in real time Collaborative lessons that foster critical thinking, peer feedback, and joyful learning What does it look like when technology, creativity, and pedagogy come together in real classrooms? This week, I had…
