No Fear Coding: Computational Thinking Across the K-5 Curriculum - Softcover

Williams, Heidi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1564843874 ISBN 13: 9781564843876

Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education, 2017

Synopsis

Coding and computational thinking are among the skills that will serve students well in the future. Coding goes beyond websites and software; it is an essential component in finding solutions to everyday problems. Computational thinking has many applications beyond the computer lab or math class. It teaches reasoning, creativity and expression, and is an innovative way to demonstrate content knowledge and see mathematical processes in action. No-Fear Coding shows K-5 educators how to bring coding into their curriculum by embedding computational thinking skills into activities for every content area. At the same time, embedding these skills helps students prepare for coding in the middle grades as they build their knowledge. To help teachers easily and effectively introduce coding, the book features: classroom-tested lessons and activities designed for skills progression; ready-to-implement coding exercises that can be incorporated across the curriculum; alignment to ISTE and Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) standards; and case studies and explorations of technology tools and resources to teach coding.

About this title

About the Author

Heidi Williams is a passionate coding and computational thinking advocate. She has over 25 years of experience in education including 17 years as a 6-8th grade teacher, 6 years as an instructional and technology coach, and 5 years as a K-8 administrator. Williams has shared her passion for integrating coding into the curriculum at local, state, regional and national conferences, and many have leveraged her expertise for conference presentations, coding coaching, professional development and K-12 scope and sequence alignment of computer science skills throughout the curriculum. Visit nofearcoding.org for a wealth of CS administrator and teacher resources.

Reviews

Packed with real-world examples, this title tackles the complex topic of computer science education, with mixed results. Williams examines how early elementary teachers can combine computational thinking and coding to create a connection to computer science. There are detailed explanations of various case studies. Overall, this is a concise read with numerous resources for facilitating the outlined programs. The curricular breakdowns are also useful for those trying to implement major changes in their schools. However, the book lacks background material on the concept of computational thinking, and some may find the text too technical. VERDICT A practical guidebook for those already well versed in the subject, but newcomers should look elsewhere.—Lisa Bosarge, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore

Edition details

• Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1564843874
• ISBN 13: 9781564843876
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168