Coding Block: Exploring the Basics

What is computational thinking? What are algorithms and programs? What tools are out there that can help me teach these concepts? These are questions you may be asking yourself if you are new to teaching computer science. Exploring the Basics is the first course in a three-part series intended to provide teachers of the seventh and eighth grade coding block with essential information regarding relevant computer science standards and programming skills. In this course, you will join Zack Spink, Computer Science Specialist for the state of Arkansas, in exploring the fundamental basics of computer programming.

In Coding Block: Exploring the Basics, Mr. Spink defines several content-specific terms and discusses things to consider when choosing the tools students will use in class. He also provides a brief tutorial for using JavaScript within Pencil Code, a free, browser-based programming environment. This course is intended for teachers who are new to the concepts of computer programming.

Computer Science Initiative - Overview

This course is an overview of the Arkansas Computer Science Initiative. Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science Education, and panel members, Russellville Superintendent Dr. Mark Gotcher, Lake Hamilton 8-12 Computer Science Teacher Karma Turner, and Bryant K-12 Science Specialist Greg Wertenberger discuss the need for an appropriate computer science education. They explain the responsibilities of districts, schools, and teacher licensure requirements, discussing the opportunities presented by the CS Flex Credit and Completer Pathways. Diversity in computer science is a key area for growth in our state and across the nation, and the panel shares information regarding the wealth of resources available to help build a strong, diverse computer science program.

Computer Science Initiative - Overview, which was recorded at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas on April 4, 2018, is a pre-requisite training required for many state provided face-to-face computer science professional development offerings. If required for face-to-face trainings, it will be listed in the registration description and/or an email notification of that requirement will be sent to all registered participants.

Micro:Bit in the Library

Micro:Bit in the Library may serve as an alternative to the face-to-face training required for K-8 Library Media Specialists who wish to receive the micro:bit kit through ADE. Although only K-8 Library Media Specialists are eligible to apply for the micro:bit kit, this course is a great resource for any educator who is interested in learning how to use the BBC micro:bit in the classroom. 

In this course, Tammy Glass, Leslie Savall, and Kelly Griffin, three computer science specialists for the state of Arkansas, provide training on the use of the BBC micro:bit. The specialists begin by sharing some background information on computer programming and explaining why Arkansas is known as the leading state in computer science education. Ms. Glass and Ms. Griffin provide tutorials on handling the micro:bit safely, on coding programs for the micro:bit using Microsoft's MakeCode Blocks Editor, and on uploading programs to the device itself. The MakeCode Blocks Editor contains an emulator, making it easy to work along with the tutorials even without access to a micro:bit. The specialists also discuss lessons that use children's literature and the micro:bit to embed computer science across the curriculum. Projects presented within this course address literacy, math and science concepts, data collection, coding, computational thinking, and problem solving.

Micro:Bit in the Library was recorded on February 8th, 2018 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas.

Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): Digital Citizenship Curricula K-12

This course is designed to discuss the use of technology in all grades beginning in pre-kindergarten and continuing until the end of high school. All students will be using technology from now until the end of their lifetime. Author, attorney, and educational consultant Frederick Lane explains how to instruct students to use technology in an appropriate way that will support their becoming valuable citizens. 

This course was recorded on July 8, 2014 at the AETN Studios.

Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): Social Media Guidelines

In this course, renowned author, attorney, computer forensic specialist, and social media expert Frederick S. Lane discusses several social media pitfalls, including the difficulties of merging the professional and personal lives of an educator and the dangers that students often face online. There are many obstacles present when navigating the often-ambiguous and ever-evolving social norms of online communications. Mr. Lane provides educators with practical tips for communicating professionally while simultaneously advocating for an adequate cyberethics policy in their schools. 

This course was recorded on July 8, 2014 in the AETN studies in Conway, Arkansas.

Autism: An Overview

This online professional development course, directed and produced by Connect with Kids Network (CWKN), was designed as an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Its purpose is to increase the knowledge base of licensed educators and administrators and to facilitate learning for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Stacey DeWitt, founder and president of CWKN, states: "In this four-part professional development program, you will get to know the Nelsons and many others who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through their stories, interviews with experts, and research-based information, we hope you will gain a better understanding of how to identify and support social communication and behavioral challenges associated with ASD."

All In: Everyone's Unique, Everyone Belongs - Special Education Inclusive Practices

In this course, Jessica Saum, the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, will lead discussions about one of her passions - inclusive education. These discussions will focus specifically on changes in classrooms throughout Arkansas and how to meet the needs of all students. Panelists will present evidence on the benefits of inclusion, discuss what an inclusive classroom setting looks like, and review laws concerning the provision of special education services. The goal is to offer background information, techniques, teaching strategies, and tips to help families and teachers as they navigate through the many transitions of their students' educational journeys.

Section 504 Services Plans: A Sample Form

In this course, Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience in disability law, discusses the model 504 plan form his firm has created. He goes through each section of the form, explaining why each element is included and/or constructed a certain way. He also shares specific examples and suggestions in order to make each area as clear as possible.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.

OCR's Resource Guide on ADHD

In July of 2016 the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a resource guide in the form of a letter. This letter addresses various modern Section 504 legal compliance issues with a focus on ADHD. In this course, Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience in disability law, discusses the broad guidance included in the letter. He briefly outlines the guide's basic reviews of Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and then delves more deeply into other topics included in the guide.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.

Discipline and the Section 504 Student

Navigating behavior and discipline issues regarding students with disabilities can be challenging and adding federal regulations to the mix can make it feel even more difficult. In this course Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience in disability law, explains the provisions and guidelines for Section 504 and IDEA in terms of behavior and discipline. Mr. Martín begins with a brief discussion of the fundamental rules for short- and long-term disciplinary removals, then moves on to a variety of other topics related to discipline and the Section 504 student.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.