CS Ed Week 12/8-14, 2014

Did You Know CSEdWeek Is Coming?

1643_ 12/1/14 - CSEdWeek takes place December 8-14, 2014 to coincide with the birthday of Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer in the field of computer science who was born on December 9, 1906. CSEdWeek was first recognized in 2010 when the 111th Congress passed House Resolution 1560. The goal of CSEdWeek is to introduce students to computing and show them that the world of technology is for everyone.

Why We Need CSEdWeek

Computer science is often present in informal curricula but is absent from mainstream education. Additionally, according to Code.org, "25 states still don't allow students to count computer science courses toward high school graduation." These facts impact all students, and especially girls. As noted in one of NCWIT's most popular resources, "Girls In IT: The Facts," "girls comprise 56% of all Advanced Placement (AP) but only 19% of AP computer science test-takers." Exposure to computer science is critical, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts that in the coming decade some of the best and highest-paying jobs will be in IT. For these reasons and more, CSEdWeek provides an opportunity to introduce students to computer science, using fun and engaging activities.

Check out the resources below and one way you can support NCWIT's efforts this holiday season.

7 Resources for 7 Days of CSEdWeek

NCWIT's research-based resources are tools that change agents can use to introduce computing to students of all ages. These free and easy-to-use resources include research reports, Top 10 lists, comprehensive workbooks, and more. Below are seven NCWIT resources, one for each day of CSEdWeek, that can help you engage your community. View the full collection at www.ncwit.org/resources.

1. EngageCSEdu - While CSEdWeek is aimed at students in K-12 education, it's also a perfect opportunity to introduce college students to computing. One way to ensure that introductory computer science courses provide an appealing experience for all students is to browse, contribute, and review materials at this website, developed in partnership with Google.
2. Why Should Young Women Consider a Career in Information Technology - NCWIT has a number of resources that mentors can use to encourage young women to pursue careers in IT. These talking points explain how IT careers are creative, flexible, and lucrative. You can also find links to related resources, inspirational videos, and introductory activities.
3. Outreach-in-a-Box - CSEdWeek is about encouraging more participation in computer science as well as innovation. Professionals in IT can work toward these goals through youth education that speaks to diverse students. This resource includes materials that you can customize to inspire and inform young women in your local community.
4. Latinas & Tecnología de la Información - Inspire young Hispanic women, or Latinas, by using the Spanish-language resources on this NCWIT website. You'll find fact sheets for creating awareness about the current state of girls' participation in technology, videos and profiles of successful Latinas, and much more.
5. Girls in IT: The Facts - This comprehensive resource about the state of girls in computing is the perfect complement to CSEdWeek. Learning what deters girls from computing and what you can do to about it are important first steps in learning how to expand the reach of this discipline.
6. Top 10 Ways to Engage Underrepresented Students in Computing - Encouraging words and inclusive classroom environments are just two items that this NCWIT resource suggests for engaging students from historically underrepresented populations, such as women and racial/ethnic minorities.
7. Top 10 Ways to Increase Girls Participation in Computing Competitions - Engaging girls in computing competitions at a young age is a great way to get them started in STEM. Diverse teams also benefit all students, not just girls. This resource offers tips related to mentorship, event design, recruitment, and more.

Hour of Code

NCWIT K-12 Alliance Member Code.org is once again hosting the Hour of Code. Participants can learn programming languages or make apps, and teachers can hold events in their classrooms with the goal of encouraging students to try an hour of code. Learn more, or try Hour of Code for yourself at http://csedweek.org.