Presented by: Taina M. Lehtimäki
The PACT team has been training teachers how to teach computational thinking (CT) strategies since 2012. We have created an 8-lesson online transition year (TY) module for computational thinking that uses Bebras tasks to illustrate concepts. No computer facilities are required other than a web browser, and teachers do not need prior computer science experience. Each lesson consists of a presentation illustrating a CT skill (with optional voice-over video) followed by Bebras tasks that pupils (working in small groups) can solve using that skill. The module is currently distributed using the CSinc learning environment (TU Dublin).
Presenter Biography:
The PACT team at Maynooth University Department of Computer Science develops computational thinking (CT) resources for teachers at both primary and secondary school level. Our “unplugged” teaching materials are adapted from our involvement with the International Bebras CT Challenge, through the national organiser the Irish Computer Society. Our teacher workshops and school visits are currently funded by Science Foundation Ireland.