Brain Storming Session

Department of Computer ScienceTennessee Tech University

July 7, 2011

Brain Storming Session Survey

• Are there any classroom assignment examples that you will particularly recommend for others?

• Are there any classroom instructional practices that you will particularly recommend for others?

• Are there any experiments that you tried in class but will recommend others NOT to try from what you have learned from it?

• If you have recruiting experience in CS classes, what has worked for you?

Classroom Assignment Examples

• Unity 3-D• Creating a list of instructions to win at tic-tac-

toe• Turtles• Music videos, flash game programming• Enigma sim to code and decode• Toshiba ExploraVision, Deloitte Touche

Virtual Team Challenge• Hangman, Student determined games• Cell phone, Bluetooth lab• www.Iknowthat.com (thinking games – bot

puzzles)• Robot fighting

Classroom Instructional Practices

• Tutorials/Video Tutorials• Mastery learning• Pair programming• Cooperative learning, differentiated instruction• Integrated assignments with other disciplines using

Web 2.0 tools (wordle, toondoo, aniboom, scriblar)• Discovery and group learning (piazza)• Cumulative project • Projects-based/inquiry-based learning• Talk little, hands-on mostly, positive re-enforcement• Acting out sorting algorithms (Algorythmics)• Interesting blog questions related to curriculum• Students teaching each other

Seemed like a good idea at that time!

• Hello World• Teaching sorts using lists of words the

students make up• Make all students do exactly the same

program• Work outside of class does not get done

• Avoid competition activities with presence of parents

Recruiting Experience

• Inviting other classes in, visiting other classes• One-on-one discussions, marketing to parents on

information nights• College students or experts in the field talking to

advanced math students• Robot Rubik’s Cube solver• Creating a video production to show at the scheduling

assembly• Brochures, surveys, and counselor presentations of

pathways• Letters to students/parents, actively talk to prospects• Worked with the Intro to IT classes and built a

programming chapter for the teacher to use. • Advise robotics team/face-to-face time with students.• Twice weekly newsletter to parents and website for

school.

• Field trips to local CS industries ***• Invite alumni to speak in CS classes (Skype)• “Pitch” CS during freshman or new student

orientation/scheduling time ***• Speak to middle school classes about CS

classes• Identify students by standardized test

scores and contact them for CS• Set up kiosk-high traffic area showcasing

projects, robotics, former students (video or slides)

Initiation and Recruitment I

• Share stats of CS job openings with administration

• Have college CS majors visit HS classroom• Get local business support to initiate and

support programs• Student-made recruitment video of favorite

things to do in class (using Tech Tools) ***• Student-created “locker magnets” ***• Begin class with exciting, engaging projects• Program flyers on school Web site

Initiation and Recruitment II

• Appealing class title• Virtual field trips/distance learning• Students recruit students• Personal invitations• Elevator talk ***• Sell top-down: director supervisors

principals• Student-friendly assignments ***

Initiation and Recruitment III

• Visit classes• Signs (near women’s

restrooms/lockers), posters, money ***• Mass emails• Teachers/coaches CS projects• Display works• Personalized letters (top 5

students/females/minority students)***

• One-hour workshops ***

Diversity

• Creative apps• Role models visit school

Diversity (continued)

• Clubs ***• Scripting class• Posters• Decorate rooms, look cool• Leave advanced gear visible

(library) ***• Become an exciting person (hard

to do)

Recruitment and Advancement I

• Certifications ***• Dual enrollment ***• Online course/lab• Emerging technologies• US First / Skills USA

Recruitment and Advancement II