Over the weekend, I attended Tomorrow's Classrooms Today conference organized by Evolving Educators at Rider University in Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Every year, I attend this conference, but this year was special because I was asked to provide an ignite speech. Without hesitation, I accepted. I took this challenge to get out of my comfort zone, and to take a risk. Did I mention, this was my first speech in this type of setting?
If you are not familiar with an ignite speech it is different because it only gives the presenter 5 minutes to make their point about a passionate topic. Plus, there is a presentation which contains 20 slides and advances automatically every 15 seconds.
I was so nervous and excited at the same time because I spoke about the importance of Computer Science education. I have to admit, it was a great feeling when it was over. A sense of conquering my fear! Sure, my timing was off, but my message was strong and for me that was the most important part.
Ignite Speech - main points:
Why is it important to teach?
- It is all around us
- We are great users of technology, but can you really define computer science?
- Study of algorithms
- Art of creating and reinventing
- Teaches you how to think and solve problems
- Allows students to be innovative, have leadership, confidence, empowerment, realize that failure is a learning process
- 4C’s - communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity
- 4P’s - problem solving, problem probing, persistence, perseverance
- Students think differently about their world when they have an impact on society
- Computing skills will help them be successful in life and in their careers
- New Jersey just passed a law stating that all high schools must offer computer science classes starting in the 2018-2019 school year.
- Widely used resource K-12
- Students enrolled in the AP CS Principles course said in a poll they enjoyed their cs classes more than other school work.
- It showed a huge growth rate in minorities and females too
- Students exposed will most likely apply for higher paying jobs
- More diversity to fulfill the jobs
- Computing skills are necessary for all jobs
- Experts are predicting that by 2024, 1.1 computing jobs will be available, and only 42% of people will be able to fill it.
- We need to bridge the gap so that students are exposed to computer science and acquire these skills
- It will prepare them for a digital economy and jobs that don’t even exist yet
My presentation reflection teaching Computer Science,Overcome the Fear and Embrace the Algorithm - A Computer Science Reflection
You can watch and listen to me speak about the importance of Computer Science Education on The Suite Talk.