Computer Programming Tools in Schools

Apply Now! Deadline Extended to July 1, 2011

CPTS is a multi-language curriculum that uses Scratch and StarLogo TNG to teach fundamental computer science concepts and programming skills. These two beginner-friendly programming tools were developed by different labs at MIT but share a similar blocks-based graphical interface. The CPTS curriculum is designed for use in an introductory course for middle or high school students with no prior programming experience, with the goal of engaging students' interest in computer science and preparing them for further studies in this and related fields. 

This curriculum is in the pilot phase, and we are looking for teachers to use it in their classes.  The workshop will equip teachers to teach the curriculum in order to pilot some or all of it in the school year 2011-2012. Although this is not a research study on the curriculum's efficacy, we hope to gather feedback from teachers about its effectiveness in order to revise the curriculum, and also to explore the potential benefits of learning more than one computer language in parallel or sequence. Some benefits may include improving students' ability to generalize and transfer their knowledge, and to consider how the languages' similarities and differences are related to their various uses.

Participants are required to attend the Introduction to Programming in StarLogo TNG workshop (or equivalent self-study) if they have no prior experience using SLTNG. Prior experience in Scratch is not required, as we will introduce it during the workshop.

This workshop is limited to 10 participants, and there will be a competitive selection process based on applications received. Coffee, snacks, lunch, parking/T-pass, and materials will be provided. In addition, all participants will receive a small stipend upon completion of the workshop.

NEW this year - if the workshop dates don't work for you, or you are new to StarLogo TNG and just want to learn some basics about this programming tool, please attend our FREE, open-admission, 2-day Introduction to Programming in StarLogo TNG workshop, no prior experience with programming required. 

Note- You may also want to check out our Imagination Toolbox workshop, which focuses on developing new StarLogo TNG activities this year. Both workshops run at the same time, but you are welcome to apply to both using the same application and just indicate which you prefer. 

2011 Workshop schedule

Dates: August 8-12, 2011

Time: 9am-3pm

Location: MIT campus - Cambridge, Massachusetts

PD Credit: 30 hours

Cost: None - small stipend provided

Eligibility Requirements:

• 6th-10th grade level computer / technology teacher in the Boston / Greater Boston area
• Will teach at least one middle or high school level computer / technology class in academic year 2011-2012
• Willing to pilot some of the multi-language curriculum
• Commitment to attending the entire workshop, including the Intro to Programming workshop, if needed

Selection Criteria:

• Preference given to multiple teachers from the same school who apply for this and/or the Imagination Toolbox workshop
• Enthusiasm for using technology to foster creativity and interest in computer modeling or programming
• Confidence and comfort with student-centered teaching and learning 

Apply Now!

Deadline: July 1, 2011