The Computer Science immersive experience for the Summer 2021 cohort will be online. No travel required! Registration open until full (40 participants).

For more information about any of the KCI programs, please contact programs@krauseinnovationcenter.org.

Computer Science Crash Course

Enjoy becoming a student again and fall in love with computer science!

5 day Crash Course for Educators

The Computer Science Crash Course will help you gain CS content knowledge and strengthen your coding skills in either Python or Scratch-you choose. Led by current computer science teachers who will demonstrate best teaching practices based on many years of experience, this differentiated course uses a variety of leveled activities and coding challenge sets to encourage middle and early high school teachers (grades 5-9) in all subject areas to advance their own learning. With K-12 CS standards-aligned lessons on algorithms, data, the Internet, and the impact of computing, you will discover that computer science is more than coding. You will also gain exposure to the many available tools and open curriculum resources that you can apply to your particular classroom needs.

3 people working together
  • You do not need any prior computer science experience. All levels welcome.
  • You will receive a certificate for 30 hours of professional development.

Summer 2021

The Computer Science program is scheduled to run Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:30am to 3:30pm, June 24 - 30, 2021.

During these dates, it is expected that participants will be available for synchronous, live instruction online. It will be instructor-facilitated and will range from participant presentations to whole-class or small group discussion. Otherwise, it will be expected that participants engage in asynchronous group or individual work to complete the requirements of the program.

There is no cost to register for this program because it is supported by KCI, but if you do register, we ask that you fully intend on participating for the duration of the program. If you need to cancel, please inform the program directors at least two weeks prior to the program. In the two weeks leading up to the program, there are special exceptions to cancelling such as a personal or family emergency.

100%

RECOMMENDED
by teachers who attended KCI Computer Workshops

The KCI Computer Science program has a STRONG record of success.

Below are some of the positive reviews from teachers who have attended previous workshops):

COMPUTER SCIENCE

This has been the best professional development experience. I feel like I have a ton of ideas brewing and I am looking forward to tapping into the resources that I gathered from these two weeks.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Computer Science Crash Course was wonderfully staffed and well prepared.  The course allowed for participants to step out of our teacher roles and to be students.   Upon arrival, students were provided with color-coded hour-by-hour agendas.  Every moment was structured with thought, providing insights on how to deliver quality differentiated computer programming curriculum. The course included flowcharting, coding challenges, unplugged activities, time to plan and networking. Following the course, during an elective class, I delivered coding challenges which were directly taken from the course.  These challenges resulted in experienced Scratch users being gently pushed to use logical thinking skills.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

I learned that I am capable of coding myself. I learned that there is so much more to computer science than coding.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

I was able to hone my skills in CS and taught at two school sites this year. I was able to use a lot of knowledge that I gained from the KCI Computer Science Crash course. Not only did this course extend my content knowledge but it helped me significantly improve my coding skills. The enthusiasm and passion of the instructors helped us all love this subject. Classes were well-paced, and gave us a good balance of lecture time, practical time as well as unplugged activities. It was well rounded, and structured in a way that both beginner and intermediate skill levels were challenged. The organizers had put a lot of thought into the workshop. I would definitely participate in future workshops!

COMPUTER SCIENCE

I significantly improved my coding skills and also learned a lot of basic things about computers and networks that seems useful as background knowledge.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

BEST WORKSHOP HANDS DOWN - my 6th year being a teacher and this is by far best ever (not just tech but in any content area!)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

I learned so much Python! I also learned a lot about my own personal learning style.

Instructors

sheena

Sheena Vaidyanathan

Computer Science Crash Course Co-Director

Christopher Bell

Chris Bell

Computer Science Crash Course Co-Director

code displayed on laptop
code displayed on laptop
coding flowchart
code file

Half Day Workshops

Computer Science Workshops will be scheduled periodically. When offered, these are listed here (choose event category=class.) Or, contact programs@krauseinnovationcenter.org.