Rethinking Computer Science, Last Call for Nominations, ChatGPT & More!

Rethinking Computer Science: Integrated Not Isolated

Computer Science is not a new term in education, but many of us who have been in education for a while, may have an outdated view of what computer science looks like in the classroom!

Students in our schools must be taught essential computer science skills to be successful in a world that is increasingly influenced by technology. It's also an issue of equity.

"Computer science, among other STEM disciplines, can provide the knowledge and skills to empower individuals to create technologies with broad influence and impact. Women, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities are often missing in computer science classes, majors, and occupations. Limited access to technology due to geography or poverty can also restrict access and opportunities. A lack of diversity limits the scope of problems being addressed and the ability of new tools and technologies to reach multiple audiences. One way to address this opportunity gap is by increasing access, inclusion, and opportunities for all students to learn computer science." - OSPI K-12 Computer Science Standards

Often when we think of computer programmers, we think of people who sit at a desk all day, typing away at their computers in cryptic code, while several other programmers are doing the same solo work in a grid of surrounding cubicles. We tend to think of computer science teaching in the same way: in isolation.

As educators, it can be very challenging to find the time in our already packed daily schedules, to fit in a quick computer science lesson. What we can do is shift our thinking so that we see computer science as an opportunity to integrate new ideas and skills into our existing content area lesson plans on an ongoing basis. One way to do this is to support the development of computational thinkers by focusing on pattern recognition, decomposition, abstraction and algorithm design. We can also encourage our students to engage in technology programs and tools in meaningful ways!

Want to learn more about how to engage your students? Contact our Regional Educational Technology and Computer Science Coordinator, Mike Batali.

ESD 105 has been a strong supporter of Children's Village since their opening 25 years ago. The work Children's Village does in our community is essential in providing support to our students (and their families) through some of their most difficult times and toughest struggles.

Children's Village provides direct medical and support services to our students that would otherwise take them across, and sometimes out of, state. Being able to receive local care means that they miss less school and their parents don't have to miss as much work, which can often create a financial burden for an already struggling family.

On February 16, educational leaders from across our region were able to tour Children's Village to see their work in action! During this tour, Children's Village shared the current need to expand their facilities and services in an effort to continue to meet the growing needs of our students.

At this time, there are well over 600 children on the waiting list for services! In the past four years, the number of children served has more than doubled from 4,000 to 9,560 students, with a 220% increase in early intervention services alone! In this third expansion since they opened their doors, Children's Village plans to add 10 additional medical speciality exam rooms, a pediatric lab and upgrade their behavioral health treatment rooms.

Children's Village needs community support for this expansion. We encourage interested ESD 105 community members to learn more about they can support this expansion!

In today's digital age, it is essential that students are taught how to use the various tools and technologies that are available to them. One such tool that can be particularly helpful is ChatGPT, a large language model that can generate text and answer questions. By teaching students how to use ChatGPT, teachers can help them to better understand the material being taught and can also help to prepare them for the technological demands of the future.

10 ways that ChatGPT can be used to engage students

Ask ChatGPT to define vocabulary words or explain concepts in simpler terms.
Use ChatGPT to generate writing prompts to inspire creative writing.
Ask ChatGPT to generate a math problem and solve it together with the class.
Use ChatGPT to provide additional information about science or social studies topics being covered in class.
Ask ChatGPT to generate a trivia question related to a topic the class is learning about and have students compete to answer it.
Use ChatGPT to generate research questions related to topics being studied in class.
Ask ChatGPT to generate a story starter to help students develop their storytelling skills.
Use ChatGPT to generate a fun fact related to a topic being studied in class.
Ask ChatGPT to translate simple phrases into different languages to help students learn about different cultures.
Ask ChatGPT to provide examples of correct usage of grammar and punctuation to help students with writing assignments.

By utilizing ChatGPT in these ways, students can enhance their learning and develop skills such as critical thinking, research skills, and language acquisition.

However, it's important to note that while ChatGPT can be a great resource, it should be used under the supervision of a teacher to ensure that students are using it in a safe and appropriate manner.

And, if you've read this far, I should probably tell you my secret... I used ChatGPT to create the draft of this article! I even used another online AI tool to create the image that accompanies this article with the terms "watercolor picture of a female student typing on a computer." I asked the questions, narrowed and focused the responses and saved myself a lot of time!

Just think of the opportunities that AI Chat can open for you! All that time you spend writing word problems could be spent providing meaningful feedback on student essays or grading papers during the day so you don't have to after hours! Learn more about AI tools during one of our 2-hour asynchronous, Exploring the Basics of AI Chat lessons!

Advocating for Students & Staff!

Since the start of this regular session, superintendents and educational leaders from across our region, have been traveling to Olympia to take action! During these legislative visits, they have been sharing stories about issues that impact the quality of education we can provide for our students, based on lived experiences in their districts.

When meeting with legislators, they're asking for support in addressing our region's key legislative priorities. Among other important issues, this year we are asking legislators to fully fund special education and update staff allocations. We encourage our educators and community partners to learn more about these issues.

Do you know someone who works in a school who's going above and beyond to support students?

Each year, ESD 105 has the privilege of recognizing two individuals from throughout our region to serve as our Regional Teacher of the Year and our Regional Classified Employee of the Year. Our regional winners advance to OSPI's state recognition program where one individual from each category is selected to advance to the national competition.

Anyone can make a nomination for our regional awards including peers, school/district administrators, students and community members. The deadline to make a nomination is tomorrow, March 1, 2023!

Spotlight Sessions

2 Hours Asynchronous

Learning Sessions

Offered March - May

Are you curious about how you can introduce students to Computer Science in a fun and manageable way to increase awareness of Computer Science and STEM?

This completely online, asynchronous professional learning opportunity, will help familiarize you with free online resources and assist you in planning a 1-hour coding activity.

Participants will conclude the course with a “ready to implement” plan for their activity.

Help spread the word...

Like & Share Our Facebook Event!

This FREE COMMUNITY EVENT is open to any family in our region.

March 23rd @5:30PM

Franklin Middle School

Families from across the south central region of Washington State are invited to join us for a night of family fun and learning about how to support and protect our kids from dangerous substances like Fentanyl!

Dinner and childcare for students in grades K-5 is provided at this FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT!

Parents will participate in Hidden In Plain Site, receive Narcan training and walk away with FREE Narcan kits. All programming is provided in both English and Spanish.