Aim: To complete EDEM 626, Curriculum Implementation in Computer Science
Rationale
EDEM 626 is a post-graduate paper offered by Canterbury University in which students explore how Computer Science (CS) concepts can be taught at a range of levels. The course is described as follows…
“This course is designed to equip participants to teach relevant computer science topics to those who teach students in schools, including New Zealand’s ground-breaking NCEA standards. Each of the main topics will be critically examined in terms of pedagogical and subject knowledge while at the same time developing current and future teachers’ understanding of theoretical perspectives of computer science education. Participants will develop through investigating theories and practices in computer science education and industry. A key component is an individual research project to develop, implement and critically evaluate a resource to support teaching a selected topic. This project provides practical experience informed by current research from the computer science discipline. The course does not cover computer programming.”
By taking the course I hope to improve student results in the level 1, 2 and 3 Computer Science external
Action Plan
- Access ‘to do’ list and video material on Sundays
- Post in topic forum at least once a week (possibly more as time allows)
- Keep notes on course / videos in google drive
- Make note of assignment due dates and ensure work is completed so that all deadlines are met
- Incorporate learning into teaching of CS to seniors, possibly doing this throughout the year / where appropriate (eg: teach regular expressions to level 3 students in database topic where they should be writing at least one RE to validate data).
Year End Reflection
I am happy to report that I successfully completed this paper and earned an A+. Both of my major assignments will be made available to future students as exemplar material. One of the biggest benefits of doing the course is that I am much more comfortable (and confident) with the Computer Science concepts that should be taught at High School level.
At this point I don’t have access to marked student externals but my teaching of the level 2 and level 3 material was influenced (and improved) but completing this course. More detailed information on the Course can be seen in the Professional Learning area in the RTC Evidence section of this site.