‘Nurturing Tech-Savvy Minds: Fostering K-12 Computer Science Education and Professional Development in Alaska (2019-Present)’ by Cheryl Bobo

North Pole HS Computer Science Principles students teaching CS to younger students during Hour of Code week!

Introduction

The rugged terrains of Alaska are not only home to natural wonders but have also become a cradle of growth for a different kind of exploration since 2019—one that empowers the youth with critical and computational thinking and digital fluency. The infusion of computer science education in K-12 settings in Alaska has not only reshaped students’ perspectives on technology but has also stimulated a movement of continuous professional development for educators. This journey from 2019 to the present showcases how Alaska is committed to equipping its students with essential skills for the digital age, careers, and holistic academic growth.

Nurturing Educators as Pioneers

In 2019, a transformative partnership between Code.org and the Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) marked a significant milestone in Alaska’s educational landscape. This collaboration was driven by the shared vision of enhancing K-12 computer science professional development for all students. Recognizing the importance of preparing students for a technology-driven world, Alaska Dept. of Early Childhood Education (DEED) created and approved  K-12 Computer Science Standards for our Alaska Students. Continue reading ‘Nurturing Tech-Savvy Minds: Fostering K-12 Computer Science Education and Professional Development in Alaska (2019-Present)’ by Cheryl Bobo

On Surviving and Thriving in the Online Classroom by Billeen Carlson

In the Spring of 2020 my students stopped coming to school. The Kenai Peninsula extended Spring Break while my colleagues and I scrambled to figure out how we were going to reproduce the learning that had been going on in our classrooms for children that were now at home, often unsupervised.

I will admit, I was rather smug. I assumed that my technology-rich Nikolaevsk classroom trained my students for this. My class of 5th-12th grade social studies and language arts students were already prepared to do their learning online. They knew how to navigate Google Classroom and Canvas and PowerSchool. All of them could compose and post videos reflecting on the learning they had gained by engaging with online learning materials.  Continue reading On Surviving and Thriving in the Online Classroom by Billeen Carlson

‘Outdoor Learning in KIBSD’ by Anthony White

It’s Saturday, weather is turning out fairly decent, for Kodiak at least. You ask your kids, “Want to go for a hike?” They reply with a resounding yes. You all get dressed for the weather, put on your sturdy hiking shoes, grab your pack, some water, a few snacks and you head out the door.

Continue reading ‘Outdoor Learning in KIBSD’ by Anthony White

Ready, Set, Teach by Devin Way, Teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Boro School District

Our Alaskan Schools blog

What if students could teach each other?

That was the question I asked myself when I learned the new application ‘Clips’ for the iPad. It was simple, user-friendly, and fun! I wanted to use the app, and to have the older students in my classroom actually teach the younger students how to use it. Continue reading Ready, Set, Teach by Devin Way, Teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Boro School District