CS for Oregon is hosting a K12 Computer Science Equity Summit in Bend, Oregon this summer for educators, school leaders and school counselors. To participate, please submit an application for one of the four professional development (PD) opportunities described below.
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Exploring Computer Science: a year-long, research-based, high school foundational computer science curriculum and teacher professional development program shown to broaden participation in computing.
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E-Textiles: an engaging, introductory, research-based high school computer science unit for Exploring Computer Science(ECS). E-Textiles are fabric-based crafts made with conductive thread, microcontrollers, lights, sensors, and other electronic components.
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CS Equity Workshop for School Leaders: Administrators, TOSAs, Curriculum Directors, Counselors, and other equity-focused school leaders will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers and opportunities for implementing equitable computer science (CS) education in their schools and districts.
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The Thinking in Computational Thinking for K-5: Elementary teachers will learn the fundamentals of computational thinking and discover its applications across core subjects like math, science, and language arts. They will learn how to integrate computational thinking concepts into their curriculum, enhancing student understanding and critical thinking skills.
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July 30 - 31 Currently Full - Waitlist Only
Many of the opportunities available at this summit are free to participate and are being supported by ODE's Well-Rounded Access Program.
ODE invites Oregon districts and ESDs to apply for a one-time grant of up to $15,000 to support educator professional learning in the areas of digital learning and digital literacy with the goal of creating professional learning that extends beyond a one-time conference or event.
Grant funds can be used to either:
1. Create a regional educational technology cadre with professional learning and collaboration opportunities for educators or
2. Build on an existing regional educational technology cadre in order to extend professional learning and collaboration opportunities for educators.
A link to the Request For Applications can be found on ODE’s Digital Learning Page, and this information has also been distributed to Oregon school districts and ESDs via ODE's Govdelivery email system.
Brian Baker, ODE Digital Learning Education Specialist, will be holding two Q&A sessions for potential applicants:
- Regional EdTech Cadre Grant Q&A session #1 - Thurs 5/9/24, 2:30PM - 3:30 PM PDT
- Regional EdTech Cadre Grant Q&A session #2 - Wed 5/15/24, 11:00AM - 12:00PM PDT
You can also email Brian (brian.baker@ode.oregon.gov) with any questions.
Our Well-Rounded, Integrated & Digital Learning Team (WRIDL) here at ODE is working on updating our guidance for how Oregon schools may approach their use of generative artificial intelligence and hope to release those updates soon. Updates will include new information on:
Deepfakes: Part of a category of generative AI output called 'Synthetic Media,' deepfakes are images, audio and / or video that can pose potential risks in educational settings. These media can be very deceptive and can convincingly impersonate individuals, making it sometimes challenging to distinguish real from fake content. Students and staff may encounter deepfakes online and struggle to discern truth from fiction. This type of media can be very damaging and can lead to cyberbullying and other potential harms. It is important we are all actively thinking about how our schools can work to equip both staff and students with the knowledge and tools to discern potential deepfake media and have the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to consume media safely and effectively. STAY TUNED FOR MORE SOON! In the meantime, check out these resources for more information on deepfakes and digital literacy skills:
Oversharing: As both school staff and students use generative AI tools more in the coming months and years, it will be vitally important that we all know about the dangers of "oversharing" personal information with them. What is oversharing? Oversharing is when we potentially become too comfortable in interacting with human-like AI tools and we provide too much personal information. Often, we are not completely aware of how these tools are managing and storing the input we provide them and so it is critically important we do not share too much private information, particularly when it comes to Personally Identifiable Information, or PII. Risks of oversharing can include data breaches and social engineering attacks. Best practices to protect PII include:
- Minimizing sharing
- Using secure communication channels, and
- Regularly educating staff and students
Responsible information sharing is crucial in our digital age, and both staff and students should prioritize privacy and safeguard their PII when interacting with AI tools or any online other platforms, including social media. We will be including a much more detailed section on oversharing in our upcoming Generative AI Guidance updates, but in the meantime here are some additional resources you can access now.
When: Tuesday, May 14th, 8am to 330pm PDT
Where: University of Portland Dundon-Berchtold Hall
How: Click here for registration and schedule information
Values and Tech: Fostering a Positive Digital Culture in Your School
When: Wednesday, May 15th, 11am to Noon PDT
Where: Online (recording will be available afterwards once registered)
How: Click here for registration and schedule information - Hosted by Edweb.net and sponsored by Common Sense Media.
Navigating the AI Policy Landscape in Schools
When: Monday, June 3rd, 11am to Noon PDT
Where: Online (recording will be available afterwards once registered)
How: Click here for registration and schedule information - Hosted by Edweb.net and sponsored by Common Sense Media.
Teaching Media Literacy: What Works
When: Tuesday, June 4th, 330p to 500p PDT
Where: Online (recording will be available afterwards once registered)
How: Click here for registration and schedule information - Hosted by Media Education Lab and sponsored by The Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles.
ISTE Live 24, Venture Into the Future of Learning
When: June 23 - 26th 2024
Where: Live (Denver, Co) and also online live registration available.
How: Click here for registration and schedule information - This conference require a registration fee.
Where: Previous event online, but you can watch on demand!
How: Click here for registration and schedule information
Where: Where: Previous event online, but you can watch on demand!
How: Click here for registration and schedule information
AI, the Digital Landscape, and Misinformation-Busting Superpowers for Students
Where: Previous event online, but you can watch on demand!
How: Click here for registration and schedule information
Please Note: Unless hosted, facilitated, or published by The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), these resources have not been endorsed by ODE, but are being shared as relevant opportunities for education professionals to consider.
Questions, comments, or additions? Please get in touch with the ODE Digital Learning team at ODE.DigitalLearning@ode.oregon.gov. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Want to stay connected with digital learning at the Oregon Department of Education? Subscribe to the ODE Digital Learning Newsletter today!
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