Texas CSTA Chapters Virtual Conference 2021

 Saturday, February 13, 2021

Conference Sessions
(In Alpha Order By Session Title)

3D Modeling Introduction

Slides, Handout

Presenter: Vicky Putnam, Teachers, Spring Branch ISD & Kathy Flores, Yorkshire Academy

Session Description: Overview of 3D Modeling - Best practices when starting; various software programs; free Texas state K-12 licenses for SketchUp. Geometry; math skills; career paths; higher order thinking - all reasons to teach 3D Modeling! Easy to begin; lots of training videos for students to work at their own pace, with "Resume Track" for independent learning. Student engagement!

Aligned to CS Courses: 3D Modeling

CS Related Topics: 3D Modeling

Vendor Session: No

Advancing ELLs (now MLLs) in Computer Science Takeaways from WIDA: Doing and Talking STEM

Slides

Presenter: Stephanie Bennett, Codelicious

Session Description: As computer science skills like computational thinking and data analysis become essential employability skills, we want to ensure that students are exposed to stimulating STEM curriculum. But do all of our students have an equal seat at the table? Where do our multilingual language learners (MLLs) fit in?

Join us for: Advancing MLLs in Computer Science - Takeaways from WIDA: Doing and Talking STEM. The Codelicious team will walk you through the highlights of the latest WIDA guidance where you can learn about the "Teacher Moves" and "Student Moves" that will allow your multilingual learners access to the rigorous content and crucial skill practice they need.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, 6-8 Computer Science

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: Yes

Artistic Coding with p5.js

Slides

Presenter: Jey Veerasamy, Director, Center for CS Education & Outreach, UT Dallas

Session Description: We have introduced the school students & college students directly to high level languages like C, C++, Java or Python for the past several decades with mixed results! Luckily, in the past 5-10 years, graphical & engaging environments like code.org, MIT Scratch, Micro Bits, Alice & Khan Academy have enabled the students to engage and enjoy the learning process! In this demo session, we will see the features of p5js (https://p5js.org) with several examples - it may be a great fit for middle school students to learn coding with actual typed code!

Aligned to CS Courses: 6-8 Computer Science, Computer Programming, AP Computer Science Principles

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

AWSM Strategies for Inclusive CS

Slides

Presenter: Ryan Torbey, President, CSTA Central Texas

Session Description: Disparities in the representation of women and students of color in CS are well publicized. But what are the specific, practical strategies and resources that teachers can deploy in their classrooms, schools, and communities to attract and support a more broad range of students in CS? This work is based on an NSF funded project at UT Austin called Accelerating Women's Success and Mastery in CS (pronounced AWESOME in CS).

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: Yes

Building a CS/Cybersecurity Pathway in Texas

Presenter: Catherine Tabor, Educator, CS teacher, Northwest ECHS

Session Description: During this presentation, I will walk you through the different courses offered for each pathway, the prerequisites for students and the required teaching certificates. I will also offer suggestions for teaching resources for many of the courses that are either free or very inexpensive.

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

Closing General Session

Facilitated by Dan Blier, DFW CSTA President

Coding Applications for Little Coders PK-5th

Slides

Presenter: Javier Aguilar, Technology applications / Computer science teacher & Robotics coach, East Fort Worth Montesori

Session Description: For this hands-on presentation, I will share coding resources that I currently use in our elementary school. The curriculum I used was adapted from middle school. All participants are welcome. Please bring your own device.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Virtual robotics (CoderZ & Amazon Future Engineer)

CS Related Topics: Learning Coding in K-8

Vendor Session: No

Coding VR/AR with Cospaces

Presenter: Gustavo Perez, STEM Instructional Specialist, Region One ESC

Session Description: The session will feature design and coding elements featuring the Cospaces platform. Cospaces is a design platform for virtual spaces. Participants will be guided through a step-by-step simple Virtual Space design and student interactive experience.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, 6-8 Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming, Engineering Design

CS Related Topics: Preparing students for CS Careers

Vendor Session: No

Counteracting Stereotypes to Boost Girls' Interest in Computer Science

Slides

Presenter: Allison Master, Assistant Professor, University of Houston, Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences

Session Description: Societal stereotypes link social groups with higher ability and interest in certain domains, such as stereotypes that computer science is “for boys.” These beliefs can influence students’ self-concepts, behavior, and motivation in computer science. This talk will describe several research studies showing how such beliefs contribute to inequity in computer science, and illustrate how changes to environmental structures and to these beliefs themselves can remove psychological barriers for girls. The talk will conclude with practical tips for teachers based on recent research.

Aligned to CS Courses: Relevant to all K-12 computer science courses

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

CSTA Standards for CS Teachers & Resources

Presenter: Dan Blier, DFW CSTA President, CSTA Board Chair-Elect

Session Description: This session will introduce teachers to the CSTA Standards for CS Teachers and associated resources. We have developed a Self-Reflection Checklist to help identify strengths and area of growth. Roadmap to Professional Learning provides all CS teachers a path toward specific professional learning needs. Any CS teacher or someone who supports them, like an administrator or instructional coach, would benefit from this session. These tools help teachers and support staff to collaborate on growing each CS teacher's skills and knowledge.

Parts of this session will be hands-on.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-12 Teachers and Administrators

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

Demystifying Text-based Code; Teacher's First Code

Slides

Presenter: Bob Vinatieri & Mike Lynch, Black Bird Code

Session Description: For the Educator NEW to text-based code

Note: Each participant will be logged onto their own Blackbird Code account:

(designed for students in 6th grade & beyond)

  1. Successfully create a text-based computer program using the actual scaffolded lesson on the learning platform.

  2. Develop an idea of how this skill could be taught at your school.

  3. Have some fun!

  4. Takeaway: Complimentary access to the platform (for teacher and students) for 30-days.

Aligned to CS Courses: 6-8 Computer Science, Computer Programming

CS Related Topics: Learning Coding in K-8

Vendor Session: Yes

First-Ever Augmented Reality Science Fair Challenge

Presenter: Joseph Sapien, Executive Director, STTE Foundation

Session Description: There is a virtual learning gap on the horizon that must be addressed for our students to succeed—the first-ever Augmented Reality Science Fair (ARSF) will introduce students to new technologies, support STEAM learning, and showcase innovative ed-tech solutions to challenges raised by the global pandemic. ARSF electrolyzes the science fair process by allowing students to submit projects electronically at (ARSciencefair.com) and display AR projects via an app. ARSF allows students to showcase a new wave of tech innovations with the ability to extend projects remotely, thus helping students assess their strategies’ real-time implications.

Key Themes:

ARSF will offer teams an extension to the traditional science fair by aligning science fair categories into five relevant themes. Furthermore, ARSF aligned our model to expand with the Texas Science Fair and extend with the International Science Fair.

- Education – Enhance Remote Educational Experiences

- Life sciences – Solve New Healthcare Solutions

- Business – Science & Technology-based Small Business Solutions In a Virtual Economy

- Research and Applications of Knowledge

- Futuristic Thinking – Engineering Design and Testing

The presentation will cover the application process, competition rules, and list prizes.

Aligned to CS Courses: 6-8 Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Science

CS Related Topics: Preparing students for CS Careers

Vendor Session: No

Get Back to Groovy!

Presenter: Fred Fotsch & Erick Archer, Texas Instruments

Session Description: We will walk you through how to create/code a digital "mood ring" using Python coding on a TI graphing calculator and a microcontroller device. The digital mood ring project is a great way to introduce coding to middle/high school students or serves as a great hands-on project for AP CSP students. TI has great support programs if your school doesn't have TI equipment.

Aligned to CS Courses: 6-8 Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming, Computer Science I, AP Computer Science Principles

CS Related Topics: Participating in CS competitions

Vendor Session: Yes

Help! I Need Ideas to Start a Coding Club in Elementary

Presenter: Crystal Fuentes, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Clint ISD

Session Description: It can never be too early for students to start coding! In this session, participants will be exposed to several ideas on how to enhance curriculum with computer science or start a coding club with as many free and virtual resources as possible. Collaboration will be highly encouraged.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science

CS Related Topics: Learning Coding in K-8

Vendor Session: No

How Micro-credentials are Disrupting Traditional Professional Development

Slides

Presenter: Sarah Miller, Program Manager, UTeach Computer Science

Session Description: Micro-credentials are accelerating innovation in education and providing educators with opportunities for just-in-time, job-embedded training. Attend this session to discover the professional benefits of micro-credentials and to learn more about the series of micro-credentials available from UTeach Computer Science, a K-12 initiative of the UTeach Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. UTeach's micro-credentials scaffold mastery of critical instructional strategies for computer science and are freely available to all K-12 educators through funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Research-Based Instructional Practices for CS Teaching

Vendor Session: Yes

How Students See the Big Picture - Staying Relevant in the Rapidly Changing World of Cybersecurity and Education

Slides

Presenter: Thomas Raphael, CTE Dual-Credit Teacher in Cybersecurity/Networking, Aldine ISD

Session Description: As a teacher at a P-TECH campus in its second year of existence, there is a significant challenge with helping students understand not only what they are doing, but why they are doing it. Computer Science and Cybersecurity are constantly evolving and students need to know how to adapt to these changes as they develop new skills and acquire knowledge. The presentation will focus on describing the experience of building the program from scratch and strategies that help us stay grounded and focused on the big picture.

Aligned to CS Courses: AP Computer Science Principles

CS Related Topics: Cybersecurity

Vendor Session: No

How to expand Girls Who Code virtually in your school/ district/ community

Presenter: Shaina Glass, Program Director of Tech Apps & STEM, Aldine ISD/ CSTA GH President

Session Description: Join us for a candid conversation on how you can successfully bring girls together from multiple schools and clubs to collaborate with each other on a mission to save the world-- one line of code at a time. Shaina Glass and Ian MacIntyre will share their challenges and accomplishments of doing just that with over 150 girls in each of their own school districts.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, 6-8 Computer Science

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

Improving Productive Persistence Using the Power of Debugging Code

Presenter: Rhoda Deon, EdTech Evangelist, Firia Labs

Session Description: Without productive persistence, it’s difficult for students to meaningfully engage in pattern recognition, algorithmic design, abstraction, and decomposition. All four of these skills require a learner to “stay in the problem space” long enough to formulate those ideas. In this session you’ll learn how to use the process of debugging code to help your students build their ability to continue to work on a task until the problem is solved.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, 6-8 Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming

CS Related Topics: Learning Coding in K-8

Vendor Session: Yes

Industry Insights: Panel on Paths to CS Careers

Presenter: Tonya Davis & Robert Carmichael, Regional Managers, Microsoft TEALS, 

Session Description: Hear from various tech industry professionals about their journey to a career in technology

- from who inspired them

-- to how they selected their major

-- what is a 'typical' day in the life

-- the challenges they encountered

-- the biggest obstacle they had to overcome

-- what they would change

-- what they would tell their 'high school self'

Bring those questions you've always wanted to know for this live panel!

Amanda Morgan is a technology analyst at State Farm.  She has been at State Farm Insurance Company for 5 years and currently handles the IT internship program from recruitment, hiring, and maintenance of the program. Her goal is to make sure each student feels like they matter, and to make sure each student's voice is heard.  Amanda works with Universities such as University of Texas – Dallas, University of Texas – Arlington, and the University of North Texas. She prioritizes the needs to the students to make sure she is getting the best talent for her organization.  In her free time she is learning about different technologies like Java and AWS.  She also likes to play women’s semi-pro football. Amanda wants people to see her as kind, willing to help, and always willing to learn. 

Austin Akers is currently a Software Engineer II at Microsoft and is self-taught. Outside of work he enjoys giving back to the community and perfecting his craft. Austin contributes to several open source organizations such as MetaMask and Vuetify. His favorite hobbies outside of programming are breakdancing, playing cello, muay thai, and playing video games.

Kevin O'Neal is a Principal Software Engineer working primarily on backend solution and infrastructure. He graduated in 2007 with a Bachelors or Science in Electrical Engineering. Currently most of his free time is taken by a new born baby boy.

Aligned to CS Courses: Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Computer Science III, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, IB DP Computer Science SL/HL, All Computer Science Courses

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Preparing students for CS Careers

Vendor Session: No

Integrating Coding into Astronomy Remotely

Slides

Presenter: James Newland, member, Houston ISD

Session Description: How can we integrate computational thinking into science classes while at the same time addressing remote learning? Hear about remote astronomy labs using coding and data science techniques that can be completed asynchronously. By leveraging computing pedagogy and using authentic data, students develop knowledge about science and computer science together.

Aligned to CS Courses: IB Astronomy

CS Related Topics: Science Coding Integration

Vendor Session: No

JUnit Testing: Give Immediate, Helpful Feedback on Programming Assignments

Slides

Presenter: Philip Taylor, CS Teacher, Trinity Valley School

Session Description: The presenter will demonstrate how easy it is to implement JUnit tests in high school CS courses, especially APCS A. Unit testing empowers students to know when their code works and efficiently debug it when it doesn't. This is especially important in distributed learning environments where immediate feedback can be difficult to provide. Not only does this tool cultivate student agency, it also saves teacher time by discouraging code submissions that aren't ready yet. For the presentation, we will use JGrasp. However, the same principles apply to any IDE or online platform, such as Repl.it, that allows for JUnit testing. A github repository of test files will be shared with participants.

Aligned to CS Courses: Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Computer Science III, AP Computer Science A

CS Related Topics: Tools to empower students, especially in virtual learning environment

Vendor Session: No

Keynote Session:

Allen Antoine, M.Ed. is the Associate Director of Mathematics and Computer Science of the Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM).  In this role, he specializes in providing lesson ideas, professional development, and teacher mentoring in the fields of mathematics and CS. Particular points of emphasis include culturally responsive teaching strategies, inquiry-based learning and increasing numeracy.  Additionally, Allen works with the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) through WeTeach_CS.  As the project director for the Computing Educator Diversity Initiative, he has championed equity and inclusion in computer science in the state of Texas and traveled across the country facilitating teacher preparation courses for high school computer science competency exams.  He also serves as a master teacher for Bootstrap, a program that aims to implement computer science principles in mathematics classrooms.  Allen currently holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Xavier University of Louisiana and an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University.

Make Coding Fun - Teach Programming with Unity

Slides

Presenter: Chris Yust, President, CompuScholar

Session Description: How do you attract a diverse student audience to your computer science program? Offer a variety of engaging, introductory classes! Join us to explore how the popular Unity game design framework can be used to teach coding concepts in a fun, modern gaming environment. We'll also discuss how a Unity-based curriculum can meet the TEKS requirements for multiple Texas courses.

Aligned to CS Courses: Computer Programming, Computer Science I, Video Game Design

CS Related Topics: Building appealing course tracks

Vendor Session: Yes

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award Panel

Slides

Presenter: Bridget Quinn, NCWIT; Tonya Davis, Microsoft; Vida Lloyde, Apple; Karen North, NCWIT, AAUW, CS4TX

Session Description: Please join us for a conversation with your Texas NCWIT AiC facilitators. NCWIT changes what’s possible for women from K-12 through their college education and career by offering encouragement and enabling persistence, which enables individuals to change their lives. AiC uses program elements that spark interest (AspireIT); recognizes technical aspirations and abilities of these students and their educators who support them (AiC Award Recognitions); and provides a supportive network (AiC Community). AiC helps to address barriers in women’s participation. AiC offers practical tips for closing the diversity gap, by way of the NCWIT resources library. This is an opportunity to learn more about these opportunities and hear answers to your unique questions.

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

Physical Computing with Phidgets

Presenter: Lucas Pacentrilli, Education Director, Phidgets, Inc.

Session Description: Phidgets are interactive USB sensors that make physical computing easy. No soldering or breadboards required—students simply plug in a sensor, code in their preferred language and start creating.

In this session, you will work through the Phidgets Getting Started Kit. It includes LEDs, push buttons, a temperature/humidity sensor and more. You will learn how to light up an LED, use physical buttons to monitor user input and read temperature/humidity!

Sign up here to get a FREE kit: phidgets.com/education/free

Use the promo code CSTA_TX2021 and you will receive a BONUS sensor for attending the session!

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Physical Computing, Preparing students for CS Careers

Vendor Session: Yes

Preparing students for Careers

Slides

Presenter: Sandya Padala, CEO, Rex Academy

Session Description: Will present different pathways in technology that schools can prepare students that are aligned with TEA recommendations.

Aligned to CS Courses: Computer Science I, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, Cybersecurity

CS Related Topics: Preparing students for CS Careers

Vendor Session: Yes

Project Based Learning with micro:bit from the Arm School Program

Slides

Presenter: Robert Leeman, ARM

Session Description: A deep dive into Project Based Learning, exploring the pedagogy, practice and underlying educational theory.

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Project based learning

Vendor Session: Yes

Promoting CS in Bilingual Communities

Presenter: Rosa Aristy, Founder, Bridges to Science

Session Description: Exploring culturally relevant and inclusive ways to encourage students to participate in CS educational opportunities.

Aligned to CS Courses: 6-8 Computer Science

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

Putting Social Justice Words Into Action: Applying Best Practices from the Workplace to the CS Class

Slides - Handout

Presenter: Tonya Davis & Marilyn Bekolo, Regional Managers, Microsoft Philanthropies

Session Description: The theme for CSEdWeek this year was #CS for Social Justice, but what does that look like? We'll discuss Diversity & Inclusion in Tech and the CS Class via panel discussion and discover how workplace practices can be utilized effectively in the classroom.

  • Education - what is the issue? What is there to discuss?

  • Hiring/Enrollment

  • Onboarding programs/Extracurricular community

  • Leadership team/Administrators & Teachers

  • Inclusive Environments/Learning Spaces

  • Inclusive Work Policies/Instructional Practices

  • Unconscious Bias

Fostering diversity and inclusion requires intentionality and difficult conversations. Leave this session with at least 3 concrete actions you can take to impact a more inclusive environment in your class/school/district.

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Teaching on YouTube: Challenges in Creating Math & CS Video Lessons

Slides

Presenter: Oscar Veliz, Member, Carnegie Mellon University

Session Description: A lot of your students are learning on YouTube where they could be watching your flipped classroom videos. Meet Oscar Veliz (over 4,200 subscribers and 1 million views), he will share his experiences teaching on the platform, tools of the trade, and best practices.

Aligned to CS Courses: All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: CS Pedagogy

Vendor Session: No

Towards Greater Inclusion in CS for Students with Disabilities

Slides

Presenter: Stephanie Ludi, Professor, University of North Texas

Session Description: Computer Science for all is a worthy goal, but it is illusive when it comes to the inclusion of students with disabilities. Some challenges are related to tools, while others are related to strategies, resources, and support. This presentation will discuss useful tools, strategies, and resources that teachers of all grades can leverage when planning computer science or computational thinking activities or courses. Lessons learned from modifying the ECS curriculum for students with visual impairments will be shared that touches on a wide variety of CS/CT topics.

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, 6-8 Computer Science, All Computer Science Courses

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: No

Toys in the Classroom

Slides

Presenters: Robin Bailey AP CS Teacher, Plano ISD and 

                     Sylvia Bavarian AP CS Teacher, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

Session Description: Displaying different unplugged manipulatives you can use in the classroom for any level of Computer Science class

Aligned to CS Courses: Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Computer Science III, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles

CS Related Topics: Working with Data

Vendor Session: No

Transforming Computer Science Education with Industry Volunteers

Presenter: Nagma Meharali & Charles Woods, Houston Regional Managers, Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS

Session Description: There is an increasing demand for computer science courses, yet a shortage of teachers with subject matter expertise. TEALS helps develop high school teachers by partnering them with industry volunteers. Teachers learn computer science while team-teaching with the volunteers who have computer science content expertise. In this session, learn more about the TEALS approach and how to become a part of the program. Topics discussed include the application process, curriculum offerings, and diversity and inclusion efforts. Additionally, learn about the volunteer recruitment and placement process, volunteer training, and ongoing classroom support. Hear how one Texas district has leveraged volunteers to facilitate the expansion of Computer Science to enable campuses to offer comprehensive pathway options to encompass a full 4-year path of course offerings for high school students in the STEM endorsement.

Aligned to CS Courses: Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, Computer Science I, Computer Science II, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A

CS Related Topics: Preparing students for CS Careers

Vendor Session: No

WeTeach_CS and You Can Too!

Slides

Presenter: Sheryl Roehl, EPIC Partnership Coordinator, WeTeach_CS

Session Description: Let us help you teach CS! This session will give you an overview of all of the amazing training and curriculum support that WeTeach_CS does to support teachers and schools with Computer Science for grades K-12. We can even help you get certified to teach CS including a $1000 stipend for successfully obtaining your CS 8-12 certification. There will be a door prize drawing at the end of the session for a Turing Tumbler game where players build mechanical computers powered by marbles to solve logic puzzles. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!

Aligned to CS Courses: K-5 Computer Science, 6-8 Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, AP CS Principles, AP CS A

CS Related Topics: Equity and Inclusion

Vendor Session: Yes