K-12 Computer Science – Barriers (and how to overcome them)

ROSE Blog: Rikki's Open Source Exchange

Mar 30, 2010 GMT

Rikki Kite

Earlier today I was inspired by maddog's blog post about his efforts to get open source into high schools in his area, so when I received an afternoon email describing the summer offerings at my daughter's school, I responded with a reminder that I'm eager to help get technology thrown into the mix of Latin, Algebra, and art offerings.

I have visions of a rainy summer afternoon spent taking apart computers or putting together web pages with a group of tween girls dancing through my motherly head.

The Anita Borg Institute posted a new study on their site today, New Report from Anita Borg Institute, CSTA and University of Arizona Addresses Equity Issues in K-12 Computer Science Educations. One highlight that stood out to me is: Computer Science teachers suffer from isolation, lack of resources, no consistent certification requirements, and a lack of access to partnerships that would increase their capacity.

Among the recommendations is this wordy bit: Engage industry representatives with K-12 teachers to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the computational thinking skills that a diverse body of students needs to engage successfully in the workforce.

So here are my questions:

How do you engage teachers who are afraid of newer technologies or just not interested?
What are your suggestions to teachers who are interested but don't know how to reach out to industry representatives to get the resources they want and need for their cash-strapped schools?

(I'd love to hear your personal experiences and success stories, too.)

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