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Let’s Talk Computer Science Podcast

A podcast about teaching and learning computer science in elementary, middle school, and highschool.

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Leigh Ann DeLyser has a well-traveled path on her CS journey. From being raised in a mountain cabin in rural New York to working with New York City Public Schools to bring CS opportunities to all students, she believes that all students should have an opportunity to work with computer science. During this in-depth interview, she discusses what schools should focus on to make systematic change as well as the diversity of needs of both the most populous and most rural schools in our nation.

Gary Stager has dedicated his life to learning and teaching around computer science. He’s stood on the shoulders of the heavyweights in the industry and has seen his share of challenges and successes when it comes to computer science in schools. In this episode, hear his unfiltered take on where education has been to where he thinks it’s going when it comes to all things coding, AI, and beyond.

Rachelle Dene Poth is someone who never sits idle. She’s been a language teacher for more than 20 years but also teaches classes on STEAM and emerging technologies. While she is a rapid learner, she also recognizes that the teacher doesn’t always have to be the expert when it comes to computer science. Check out her amazing stories from the classroom in this week’s episode.

Leaders are such an important part of the conversation when it comes to elevating the importance of computer science education in schools. In this episode, we sit down with former school Superintendent Dwight Jones to discuss the how and why school leaders could leverage computer science in their schools to help students of all races and genders have access as early as elementary school. 

 

Computer science is so much more than just coding. It’s about getting our students excited about problem solving and telling their own story. In this week’s episode, we meet with Dr. Cathay Collins, a Library Media Specialist from Sharon Public Schools (MA) to talk about the ethics of AI, the equity of computer science, and the importance of schools providing opportunities for all students to have some access to CS. 

Shifting mindsets around technology use in schools can be a barrier to thoughtful implementation of computer science in schools. In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Computer Science, we talk with Digital Learning Coach Jed Stefanowicz about the challenges of supporting teachers with both technology help and pedagogical help. It’s not about the product, it’s about the practice.

In this episode of Let’s Talk CS, we meet with two High School computer science teachers in New York to discuss what the latest things their students are getting into. The discussion ranges from gaming to hacking, coding to designing and we even get a song played on the school loudspeaker to wrap up the show!

In this week’s Let’s Talk CS, we meet with Pam Whitlock, the IT Department Chair at that amazing Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, GA. Listen as she details the ins and outs of her unique project-based school that really emphasizes choice and productive struggle as part of the learning process.

 

While we focus a lot on technology in our field, there are still layers of trust and building of relationships that are important to push learning forward. Becky Keene, Director of Operations at i2e is no stranger when it comes to building relationships and empowering teachers in their journey of computer science. In this week’s episode, we discuss with Becky how to get teachers “hooked” on using technology for good and what affect that can have on student engagement and empowerment.

One of the more powerful reasons to integrate computer science is the power that comes from students iterating. In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Computer Science, we get to hear from Jason McKenna, Director of Global Educational Strategy at VEX Robotics about the power of failure and what students can learn from it.

 

Jennifer Jones is an educator with her feet on the ground but someone who also continues to reach for the stars. In this episode, Jennifer shares her use of computer science to help not only with projects out in space but also with those areas on Earth that are in need. Another powerful reminder of why it’s important for students to learn these skills.

 

 

Supporting computer science can be a challenge for schools and districts. Many find talented teachers like Kristen Magyar, an instructional technology coach and STREAM teacher from Fort Montgomery School District. She works with students and teachers to bring computer science into classrooms throughout her district.

Not everyone has a deep background in Computer Science, but that shouldn’t stop us from teaching it or from giving students access to opportunities with CS. In this week’s episode, we chat with Instructional Technology Coach Sarah Phelps about how computer science can help students make connections to other subjects and empower their learning.

Oftentimes, computer science is reserved for that one hour of code or an elective course. In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk CS, we invite Laurie Guyon, Coordinator for Model Schools at WSWHE BOCES in New York and discuss strategies to make computer science more embedded across all subject areas. 

In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk CS we chat with Computer Science guru Fran Bromley-Norwood. Fran has done a lifetime’s worth of work bringing CS to the students in her district and the state of Nevada. We reflect on the new updated state requirements that the state of Nevada is promoting to get more students on the CS pathway. 

In this episode of Let’s Talk CS, we meet with super computer science teacher Bryan Zevotek about empowering students to take own their learning when it comes to computer science. We talk about the impact of trying new things in front of students and the power of taking risks and failing with students.

Oftentimes, computer science is reserved for that one hour of code or an elective course. In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk CS, we invite Laurie Guyon, Coordinator for Model Schools at WSWHE BOCES in New York and discuss strategies to make computer science more embedded across all subject areas. 

In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk CS we chat with Computer Science guru Fran Bromley-Norwood. Fran has done a lifetime’s worth of work bringing CS to the students in her district and the state of Nevada. We reflect on the new updated state requirements that the state of Nevada is promoting to get more students on the CS pathway.