Description

This course is offered asynchronously and is delivered via Canvas. This course is currently ONLY available for Virginia Public School educators.

Participants will explore the Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning and learn how to connect the CS SOLs to the 5 C’s (communication, creative thinking, collaboration, critical thinking and citizenship) and the Virginia Profile of a Graduate. Participants will also gain practical, hands-on experience with entry level computer science tools.

Modality: Not Facilitated, not time constrained version resulting in a certificate of completion. (e-learning with required coursework submitted for review) Now live!

Disclaimer Statement for e-Learning Modules

You must complete the quizzes with at least 80% each to earn your certificate. Certificates are processed monthly.

Audience

Educators from grades K-8 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Relate computer science standards to current subject areas and find ways to make connections between the curricula
• Investigate what computer science is and how CS can equip our students for problem solving in a technology filled world.
• Examine current practices and identify where modifications can be made to include more computer science vocabulary and skills.
• Create student-facing unplugged activities for exploring CS concepts

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

• None

Description

This course is offered asynchronously and is delivered via Canvas. This course is currently ONLY available for Virginia Public School educators.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the computer science conceptual strands and focus on methods to help identify overlapping topics and concepts. Through this course, educators will design integrated lessons for their classroom using CodeVA's Computer Science Integration Guide and explore pre-made lessons with our facilitators skilled at integrating Computer Science into their own K-8th grade classrooms.

Modality: Not Facilitated, not time constrained version resulting in a certificate of completion. (e-learning with required coursework submitted for review) Now live!

Disclaimer Statement for e-Learning Modules

You must complete the quizzes with at least 80% each to earn your certificate. Certificates are processed monthly.

Audience

Educators from grades K-8 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Expanded knowledge of the Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning
• Explore and identify conceptual connections between core curriculum and computer science
• Create lessons that weave computer science into core content areas to build a foundation of applying computer science related concepts
• Learn how to determine the right depth of integration for teaching computer science related topics

Knowledge Level

Intermediate - Participating educators need a basic knowledge and understanding of the CS SOLs.

Prerequisites

• None

Description

This course is offered asynchronously and is delivered via Canvas. This course is currently ONLY available for Virginia Public School educators.

Participants will learn best practices to coach colleagues on integrating the Computer Science Standards of Learning. This course prepares instructional leaders to share best practices and conduct professional development with their colleagues and staff. The course will also provide an in-depth look at the grade level Computer Science Standards of Learning and provide CodeVA developed tools for computer science lesson development and standards integration.

Modality: Not Facilitated, not time constrained version resulting in a certificate of completion. (e-learning with required coursework submitted for review).

Disclaimer Statement for e-Learning Modules

You must complete the quizzes with at least 80% each to earn your certificate. Certificates are processed monthly.

Audience

Educators from grades K-8 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Deepen understanding of the Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning.
• Create a professional development plan to introduce computer science to team members
• Evaluate and curate lesson resources and tools to teach computer science
• Gain confidence in coaching others through teaching computer science
• Implement professional development using pedagogy best suited for computer science instruction
• Apply new learning to help your district make informed decisions about ongoing computer science curricular needs

Knowledge Level

Advanced - Participating educators should have significant knowledge and experience implementing CS standards and be prepared to share that knowledge and coach other teachers on implementation.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of the following two courses:

Launching Computer Science or Launching Computer Science Asynchronous Guided Modules, AND

Computer Science Integration or Computer Science Integration Asynchronous Guided Modules

Description

This course is offered asynchronously and is delivered via Canvas. This course is currently ONLY available for Virginia Public School educators.

In this asynchronous course, participants will acquire essential knowledge and skills to integrate computer science standards within their curriculum by using Twine to craft interactive stories. By the course's conclusion, educators will be well-equipped to effectively integrate interactive storytelling, fostering creativity, engagement, and personalized learning experiences in their classrooms.

Modality: Not Facilitated, not time constrained version resulting in a certificate of completion. (e-learning with required coursework submitted for review).

Disclaimer Statement for e-Learning Modules

You must complete the quizzes with at least 80% each to earn your certificate. Certificates are processed monthly.

Audience

Educators from grades 4-12 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Use Twine to create interactive stories.
• Utilize multimedia elements, such as images, to enhance the storytelling experience.
• Use conditional logic and variables in stories made with Twine.
• Explore how Twine might be integrated into different educational subjects and grade levels.
• Familiarize themselves with the PRIMM (Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify and Make) pedagogical framework.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs, CS content, or Twine.

Prerequisites

Educators from grades 4-12 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Project Growing Up Thinking Scientifically (GUTS) is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program for middle school students serving schools and districts nationally. Growing up thinking scientifically means learning to look at the world and ask questions, develop answers to the questions through scientific inquiry, and design solutions to their problems.

This is an online course with a one-hour kickoff LIVE session, and asynchronous Canvas modules, for a total of 30 Continuing Education Units.

Description

This course prepares educators to teach Project GUTS by building and using the models they will use in the classroom and gain a deeper understanding behind computer science, complex adaptive systems, and how to integrate CS into their existing SOL science content.

Course Format

• Live Kick Off (required)
• Complete all coursework and modules in Canvas

Audience

Middle School science and computer science teachers

Course Objectives

• Understand how computer modeling and simulation address VA CS Standards.
• Gain experience and confidence in leading lessons and activities.
• Practice and be able to instill positive dispositions in your students (persistence, willingness to make mistakes, resourcefulness).

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or the Project GUTS curriculum

Prerequisites

None

Description

Learn the basics of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.  They will examine possible positive and negative impacts of the two as well as discuss core content connections and how to integrate AI concepts into the classroom.

Audience

Educators from all grades 3-5 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Understand the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Identify the fundamental process and challenges of machine learning
• Examine positive and negative implications of machine learning
• Give examples of cross-curricular connections to artificial intelligence and machine learning

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

• None

Description

Dive into the exciting world of cybersecurity by exploring ciphers and puzzles—a fun and hands-on way to introduce the concept of encryption to K-12 students. This approach allows learners to engage with the critical idea of protecting information while sparking curiosity and creativity. Through interactive activities, students can discover how codes and ciphers have been used throughout history, from ancient times to modern-day digital security. By uncovering historical connections, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of how encryption methods evolved to meet the challenges of safeguarding sensitive information. 

Audience

Educators from all grade levels and content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• To understand the K-12 vertical progression of learning indicated by standards in the cybersecurity strand of the Virginia SOLs.
• To explore the use of various ciphers in K12 classrooms.
• To explore how ciphers and cybersecurity can be integrated into many subject areas.
• To learn a sampling of historical examples of ciphers and cryptographers.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

• None

Description

This session introduces you to the basics of getting started with Scratch or CS First, Google's free coding curriculum, and explores how these tools align with key computer science concepts such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, and variables. Participants will not only learn the mechanics of creating programs in Scratch but also delve into the "why" behind the tool—understanding its role in developing logical thinking, fostering creativity, and promoting collaboration. Whether you're new to programming or looking for practical strategies to integrate computer science into your classroom, this is the perfect starting point for both educators and students to thrive in the world of coding.

Audience

Educators from all grades 3-5 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

• None

Description

Discover the power of storytelling as a gateway to integrating computer science into various content areas. This hands-on session introduces participants to computational storytelling using Twine, a free, user-friendly tool for creating interactive, text-based stories. By exploring Twine's Chapbook format, participants will see how storytelling and computer science come together to deepen engagement, enhance learning, and build computational thinking skills. Participants will also receive high-quality resources to extend their Twine knowledge and continue developing meaningful cross-curricular connections.

Audience

Educators from all grade levels and content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning. Twine is best suited for grades 4-12, but can be adapted.

Course Objectives

• Understand how storytelling can be used as a tool to teach and reinforce computational thinking and computer science concepts.
• Explore Twine’s Chapbook format by creating a simple, interactive story during the session.
• Identify cross-curricular opportunities for integrating Twine and computational storytelling into their own classrooms or curriculum plans.
• Access high-quality resources to further their understanding and use of Twine in educational settings.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

• None

Description

Bring computer science concepts to life through physical computing! This interactive session introduces participants to hands-on activities that incorporate computing systems, algorithms, and programming for K-8 classrooms. Participants will explore how physical computing devices, such as microcontrollers or robots, can be used to make abstract concepts tangible and engaging for students. Whether you’re new to physical computing or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will provide the foundational knowledge and resources you need to get started.

Audience

Educators from all grades K-8 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Understand the basics of physical computing and its role in teaching computer science concepts, including computing systems and algorithms.
• Explore activities and tools that make physical computing accessible and exciting for K-8 students.
• Learn how to integrate physical computing into their instruction to foster hands-on problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
• Access resources and strategies for implementing physical computing projects in their classrooms.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

Description

Dive into the fascinating world of networks and the internet—no devices required! This session equips participants with engaging, unplugged activities to help students understand how networks function and how information travels across the internet. Designed for K-8 educators, the session will demystify complex topics such as data transmission, protocols, and security while providing hands-on, screen-free strategies to bring these concepts to life.

Audience

Educators from all grades K-8 and all content areas, as well as any staff supporting student learning.

Course Objectives

• Understand key concepts related to networks, the internet, and how information is shared securely.
• Explore unplugged activities that simplify complex topics such as data transmission, IP addresses, and protocols.
• Learn strategies for integrating unplugged lessons into classroom instruction to support computational thinking and problem-solving.
• Access resources for teaching networks and the internet in device-free, interactive ways that are adaptable to any learning environment.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Participating educators need no knowledge or experience with the CS SOLs or CS content.

Prerequisites

• None