PreK-5th grade computer science students spend more than half of the school year learning how a computer works. We discuss input, processing, and output: our keyboards and microphones highlight input options. Processing is a major focus as we discuss coding languages, algorithmic thinking, and famous computer scientists who made it happen. The hands on and immersive opportunities are endless for us in the first two categories; however, when we focus on outputs, our experience becomes less engaging. My current examples of outputs are words on a a screen, e-mails, or video posts--when the possibilities are so much greater!
These printers will give students a tangible output of their learning; something they can create to prove their knowledge of computer applications. Currently I have planned for students to complete some service learning by researching and planning an e-waste drive. If we had our own classroom printer, we could not only create, but also publish our own flyers to advertise the drive to our community. The 3D printer would open up the opportunity for students to design tools to help in their classroom: nametags, bookmarks, paper clips, etc. Or even to use computer science to create, market, and sell items as a fundraiser for future projects.
These two sophisticated output devices would round out the hands-on, practical learning that I try to bring to my students every day.
About my class
PreK-5th grade computer science students spend more than half of the school year learning how a computer works. We discuss input, processing, and output: our keyboards and microphones highlight input options. Processing is a major focus as we discuss coding languages, algorithmic thinking, and famous computer scientists who made it happen. The hands on and immersive opportunities are endless for us in the first two categories; however, when we focus on outputs, our experience becomes less engaging. My current examples of outputs are words on a a screen, e-mails, or video posts--when the possibilities are so much greater!
These printers will give students a tangible output of their learning; something they can create to prove their knowledge of computer applications. Currently I have planned for students to complete some service learning by researching and planning an e-waste drive. If we had our own classroom printer, we could not only create, but also publish our own flyers to advertise the drive to our community. The 3D printer would open up the opportunity for students to design tools to help in their classroom: nametags, bookmarks, paper clips, etc. Or even to use computer science to create, market, and sell items as a fundraiser for future projects.
These two sophisticated output devices would round out the hands-on, practical learning that I try to bring to my students every day.
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