Comp_Outreach_Karens_Comments

knorth@houstonisd.org http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/knorth/
 * Karen North**

As a Math, Computer Science and Master Technology Teacher, I have been working to increase programs that teach computational thinking since the 1980s. The change in the 21st century is the enormous amount of online programs and resources that support computing.

A STEM computing program developer staffed in schools to coordinate implementation of all the resources is needed. Hands-on is the best way for student to learn I.T. skills and at the same time practice math and science concepts. Increasing exposure to computing programs through after-school hours and implemented by businesses and other community support systems are most effective.

My motivator to take the time is “The Last Lecture” [|http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/] and Randy Pausch, computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon. He said the only hope to finding a cure for what is killing him is the scientific method. He said smart people work where there is money. Educators must develop research brains; CS develops research dendrites. It is the hardest course in high school which is why few students take it and few teach it. His last lecture was for his children. My fight is for my children, those in my classroom who are being left behind using 21st century computing resources.

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