Course Description

Teaching Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is a professional development course, which is based on three major pillars— equity, inquiry, and computer science content/concepts—woven throughout the course and the Professional Learning Community. This Teaching ECS course introduces computer science content through various evidence-based instructional strategies: role playing, jigsaw-type collaborative activities, pair and small-group collaborative learning, structured tinkering, multiple solutions, and using manipulatives as well as simulations. While introducing the content and pedagogical knowledge, we will build a learning environment that encourages teachers to take autonomous roles and develop a growth mindset in the process. We also believe that ECS teachers and students are all part of a learning community where all members can contribute to the learning process in meaningful ways.

The Teaching ECS course consists of:

  • A 9-week hybrid course (face-to-face and online) that develops teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge of the first four units in the ECS curriculum (exploringcs.org/curriculum)
  • A Professional Learning Community with workshops during the academic year to focus on the remaining two units and pedagogy and implementation of all six units.

Prerequisites — Classes or Knowledge Required Before Taking This Course

There are no class/knowledge prerequisites to this course. Teaching ECS is being offered as part of a Computer Science Teacher Certificate Program, which is currently funded by the National Science Foundation. All students must be in-service teachers and admitted through that program.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
● Identify pedagogical content knowledge for teaching Exploring Computer Science
● Elaborate on strategies of integrating computational thinking in teaching and learning
● Create an equitable computer science classroom environment
● Design effective instruction for Exploring Computer Science
● Design student assessment for Exploring Computer Science
● Identify major components and functions of digital devices and computing systems
● Identify the impacts of computing on society
● Conduct information searching/validation using computers and communication platforms
● Develop web pages using HTML and CSS
● Develop functioning programs in Scratch to solve problems

Course Material/Required Reading

    1. Margolis, J., Estrella, R., Goode, J., Holme, J. J., & Nao, K. (2010). Stuck in the Shallow End: Education, Race, and Computing. MIT Press.
    2. Exploring Computer Science Curriculum v.7, http://www.exploringcs.org/curriculum
    3. Various readings on pedagogy and content will be provided online as PDF files.

Teaching Exploring Computer Science Syllabus

EDUC X300.43 TeachingECS