*Each teacher who attends, will recieve one free micro:bit to take back to their classroom! In addition, there will be a draw at the end of the day to send three lucky teachers home with a classroom set of micro:bits.

This free, full-day workshop provides educators with the tools to explore and learn computational thinking, basic coding and artificial intelligence, while providing ideas for how to bring these into the classroom. Designed for beginners, this workshop demystifies 21st century technology by putting concepts into practice with hands on activities and simple modules that can fit into any lesson plan. Participants will leave with the confidence that they can become creators, not just consumers of technology, and that they can empower their students to do the same.

What is Code Create Teach: Teacher Training?

Our Code Create Teach program has introduced over 6,700 Canadian teachers to the basics of coding and computational thinking in the classroom. Already leaders in developing algorithmic literacy, Kids Code Jeunesse (KCJ) has enriched its highly successful introductory workshops to meet the challenges of understanding and teaching AI. With the participation of Canadian teachers, our mission is to develop the best teacher training program in the world!

From October 2019 to March 2021, KCJ will be hosting free, full-day workshops that combine unplugged activities with hands-on coding activities. Still beginner friendly, this workshop will explore the basics of coding in a different context, and include plenty of stretch goals for those teachers with the skills to take their learning further. Our instructors will provide tips on how they have introduced coding into the classroom, and ideas for curricular ties and lesson planning. Each session will include extensions for more advanced students, as well as a curated list of additional resources, lesson plans and toolkits. We will cover a wide range of technologies and tools, including introductory sessions in Scratch, micro:bit and artificial intelligence. The afternoon session allows teachers to take a deep dive into the technology that is most relevant for their classroom setting where participants will also have the opportunity to connect with other teachers in purposeful and learner-driven ways.

Who is this workshop for?

The tools presented in this workshop are best suited for Grade 2 to Grade 9 teachers. While all teachers are welcome, K-1 teachers and Grade 10-12 teachers should be willing and able to explore other tools and transfer the concepts presented here to their student’s needs. Please note that this workshop is ONLY open to teachers and educators.

What do I need to bring?

Please arrive with your laptop and charger (and laptop fully charged). If you use Chromebooks or iPads in the classroom please bring those along too!

Agenda

8:30am – Registration opens.

Come early to grab some breakfast!

9:00 am – Welcome and Unplugged Activity

It’s the time to make new friends, and complete our “Architect” challenge.

9:30 am – Introduction to Computational Thinking

In this session we will discuss the definition of computational thinking and how it exists in everyday life.

10:00 am – Intro to Scratch and microbit

Fundamental Coding Concepts in Scratch and microbit for the classroom. In this session, we will explore fundamental coding concepts using the popular visual programming platform, Scratch.

11:15 am – Break

Time to fuel up on both teachers’ and coders’ favorite drink – java!

11:25 am – Introduction to AI and ethics.

Get acquainted with AI algorithms and become familiar with the concepts of machine learning. We will also discuss the impact AI is having on your students’ lives.

12:15 pm – Lunch

Thanks to the amazing CanCode program, lunch is on us!

12:50 pm – Exploration Stations

Use this time to explore Scratch, AI or Micro:bit more in depth and make connections with your curriculum in order to build a lesson plan with our easy to use turnkey resources.

2:45 pm – Break and Survey

3:00 – 3:30 pm – Curriculum reflections and sharing your lesson plan!