CSEdWeek Special: Technology then, now, and later

 

Human computers changed the world. Just ask NASA! One of the most famous of these incredible people was NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. I thought I knew a lot about her but I still learned a couple of interesting things from this biography on NASA's website. Maybe you or your students would like to check it out for CS Education Week. (Also, I will be adding the "Hidden Figures" book into my classroom library soon.)

Up early up hills
Spend your youth to pay the bills
Each generation makes a trade
Top floor brass tacks
Holds the hand that holds the ax
Acts like my dues have not been paid
But pay attention now when I say
Full automation isn't happening today...

~Garth Brooks "Man Against Machine"  (A little more about this song.)

For those who are familiar with and/or use Newsela, there is a new article posted about the integration of technology to assist in preserving Indigenous language: "Tech breathes new life into endangered Indigenous languages." Not everyone loves the integration of technology tools to help preserve Indigenous languages. This is an interesting read and opens the door for potentially good discussions. I assigned mine using Formative and added a question: Do you think assistance from technology in attempts to preserve Indigenous languages is a good thing? Please explain your response. (Why or why not?)

So, what does this all have to do with each other? Finding the balance of technology integration and understanding that the technology of today is vastly different from the technology of the past are important. (Note: even an abacus is considered technology.) Helping guide our students through their technology use and understanding; allowing them to develop their own opinions on what is useful, and how; and preparing for the future as best we can takes work.

I have been writing daily messages to my colleagues to share tips, tricks, tools, resources, and activities with them for CS-EdWeek. Yesterday, I shared the code.org activity AI for Oceans which allows a chance to see how AI programming works. Remember, much of what we use in the way of tech tools, computers, and especially "artificial intelligence" is only as smart as the programming. Check out what happens with the AI for Oceans based on the data input. Have a little fun with it and let me know how it looks when you're finished.

Have you checked out Seasons of CS yet? Lots of great PD opportunities and more.