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Transform Any Lesson: Simplify Complex Concepts and Boost Computational Thinking Skills!

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Session description

Educators can enhance problem-solving in any subject, including math, by using coding principles. This webinar explores how the SDLC framework helps pinpoint challenging concepts, create engaging materials, and assess computational thinking. It integrates real-world scenarios to build skills essential for cybersecurity and critical thinking across disciplines.

Outline

1. Opener (10 minutes):
Begin by asking participants: “What makes certain concepts hard to understand?” Use Poll it to display word cloud at participants answer
Explain that complex concepts can be simplified using computational thinking.

2. Introduction to Computational Thinking (15 minutes):
- Introduce the four pillars of computational thinking:
- Decomposition: Breaking down problems or concepts into smaller parts.
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying similarities and trends.
- Abstraction: Focusing on the essential details, ignoring irrelevant information.
- Algorithm Design: Creating step-by-step instructions to solve problems or explain processes.
- Give examples of how these skills apply to both real-life situations and academic topics.

3. Participation from Participants: Apply Computational Thinking (20 minutes):
- Allow participants to group up if they would like. Each group or person will pick a complex topic (e.g., a math function, a historical event, a scientific process, or a literary theme). I will also have some displayed topics they could choose from
- Instruct groups/individuals to:
- Break the topic into smaller parts (decomposition).
- Identify patterns or key similarities (pattern recognition).
- Focus on the most important aspects (abstraction).
- Design a step-by-step method for understanding or teaching the concept (algorithm design).
Show digitals tools that can help like graphs, charts, etc.
4. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes):
- Have each group share their initial decomposition and pattern recognition insights.
- Discuss how these steps are helping to make their topic more understandable.

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Supporting research

https://www.learning.com/blog/examples-computational-thinking-for-students/

https://sphero.com/blogs/news/how-to-teach-computational-thinking-in-classroom

https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/GenCyber/pdf/unclass_gencyber_5_year_report_executive_summary.pdf

https://public.cyber.mil/gencyber/

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Presenters

Tawanda Brown

School Improvement Coach

Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence

DEDRA LEONARD

Graduation Coach

Fulton County Schools

Session specifications

Topic:

Computer Science and Computational Thinking

TLP:

Yes

Grade level:

6-12

Audience:

Counselor, Teacher, Technology Coach/Trainer

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Participant accounts, software and other materials:

Laptop, tablet, or smartphone

Subject area:

Interdisciplinary (STEM/STEAM), Technology Education

ISTE Standards:

For Educators:
Designer

Design authentic learning activities that align with educational standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize learning.

For Students:
Computational Thinker

Break problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-solving.

Creative Communicator

Use digital tools to visually communicate complex ideas to others.

TLPs:

Connect learning to learner, Prioritize authentic experiences