Free, Online Course to Explore Creative Learning and Coding!

The Lifelong Kindergarten Group and the Learning Initiative at the MIT Media Lab (creators of Scratch and Computer Clubhouses) is offering a free, online course through Learning Creative Learning.  The goal is to “connect and share ideas with people around the world with similar goals, visions, and values. It is an opportunity for like-minded educators and learners to meet one another and share ideas, strategies, and practical tips on how to support creative learning.”

LCL is organized as a six-week online course (starting on October 18, 2017), but its real goal is to cultivate an ongoing learning community in support of creative learning around the world.   Even though the course starts on October 18th, there is no end date (and no pressure!)

Each week, online videos, readings, and hands-on activities will be offered.   You’ll be able go through this material at your own pace. All of the materials will be freely available (including sections from Mitch Resnick’s new Lifelong Kindergarten book). You can spend as much or as little time you like  — by watching, reading, making, sharing, reflecting, and discussing.

For more information:  http://learn.media.mit.edu/lcl/about.html

Sign up:  http://learn.media.mit.edu/lcl/

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Would You Like To Help Code.org Pilot New Classes?

Calling all K-5 teachers!  Code.org currently offers four coding courses for students in grades K-5 as part of their Computer Science Fundamentals program.  Their plan is to introduce two new courses in the Fall, and move the content in all six courses to align with each of the K-5 grade levels . Read more information about the transitions and updates taking place in the CS Fundamental program.

They are currently looking for teachers willing to pilot some of these courses with their students in the next few months.  If you are interested, please sign up here!

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Code.org CS Fundamentals Teacher Training (TK-6)

The Contra Costa County Office of Education is now a Regional Partner with code.orga and is hosting a one-day workshop (at two different locations) for elementary level educators interested in teaching computer science.  This workshop will cover code.org’s CS Fundamentals courses 1-4.

Code.org’s elementary school curriculum allows event the youngest students to explore the limitless world of computing. Courses blend online, self-guided and self-paced tutorials with “unplugged” classroom activities that require no computer.

Please note:  Attendance is encouraged, but not required, in order to teach the CS Fundamentals courses in your elementary classroom.  Check out complete information about this free curriculum and also about the free, online, self-paced courses for teachers.

Dates and locations:

Tuesday, May 23, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Brentwood USD, Brentwood
Tuesday, June 13, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill

For info: Contact Christen Schwartz at 925-942-3435, or visit this Web page for more

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