Innovation Award to Into the Loop / Exploring Computer Science

Posted on by

At the IT Summit – Sacramento, the World Organization of Webmasters on behalf of the WhyITNow.Org Initiative, presented an award to the IT Innovation Leadership Award to Into the Loop and Exploring Computer Science programs for distinguished leadership in establishing partnerships and methods to bring computer science studies to underrepresented populations of students.  Accepting the award: Gail Chapman, Director of National Outreach, University of California Los Angeles and the Los Angeles UnifiedSchool District Partnership.

The Exploring Computer Science (ECS) project was designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science. ECS develops in students computational thinking practices within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. The curriculum is committed to engage a culturally, linguistically, and socially diverse group of students in theLos AngelesUnifiedSchool District.

Successful Program Implementation

Over 1200 students are enrolled in ECS this school year, quadrupling participation after two years of implementation in theLos AngelesUnifiedSchool District, the second largest district in the country. ECS is committed to addressing the injustices of a historically denied computer science education to underrepresented populations while also providing students with an engaging yet rigorous experience.

Exploring Computer Science Curriculum

In response to research findings about the severe limitations of Advanced Placement Computer Science in engaging more than a narrow band of students ECS designed an innovative project-based pre-AP CS college-preparatory computer science curriculum.

Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is a year-long course, consisting of six units. ECS is designed to introduce students to the foundational, creative, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and problem-solving nature of computer science. The full Curriculum is available for free on-line, but Gail Chapman cautions that teachers should have professional development and support prior to implementing the course.

A one-year college-preparatory course…

  • Appropriate for 10-12th graders who have completed Algebra I
  • Rigorous curriculum that develops high-level computing skills
  • Real world, socially relevant, interdisciplinary, and creative applications of computing
  • Approved as a “g” elective with Career Technical Education credit by the University of California Office of the President

Exploring Computer Science Provides Teachers…

  • Instructional curriculum materials, including robots, and teacher’s guide with an inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching
  • Professional development during the summer and throughout the school year
  • A coaching program
  • An opportunity to become part of a learning community of other computer science educators in the district