Computer Science Network

Happy New Year Everyone!

The New Year is a time of reflection, and our ISTE Computer Science Network is doing just that.

Our 2019 GOAL: create meaningful Professional Development that will help to support and empower a CS4ALL mindset

Our 2018 DATA: We began our PD this year by creating a Flipgrid, however to date...we have 197 views, but only 11 members have introduced themselves to the community and 3 of you who are actively engaging in conversation.

Whether you support the fail fast, fail often, fail forward or fail better movements... we are all in agreement that our data shows that we are NOT meeting this goal. 

THUS - we have closed the Flipgrid and have created a QUICK survey so that you can let us know what you need. There is an open-response question at the end and we would love to hear other ideas and needs from you. We exist to support and empower YOU!


Please complete the following survey: CLICK HERE -

https://goo.gl/forms/kZTgslDlqDSoDWU92

Best wishes for a great 2019! 

Heidi Read More

Join the ISTE Computer Science Network as we open the valves and turn on the CS FIREHOSE 2018 with a very special opening keynote from a true champion of computer science education, Dr. Mitch Resnick, creator of the Scratch programming language and LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab.

The ISTE Computer Science Network is dedicated to the promotion of computational thinking and computer science education.  The network promotes and provides ideas, resources and events for integrating computational thinking and computer science into every school and classroom to create equitable access for all students. The need for CS educational initiatives is urgent with worker shortages throughout the field. To actualize computer science for all, it must be the professional responsibility of all educators to infuse computer science standards and cultivate young minds to think computationally. 

So, be prepared to get drenched with new and exciting CS info, resources, and ideas from 12:30 PM through 6:00 PM with sessions provided by quality professional development leaders and educators including those confirmed from Microsoft (ISTE Mission Sponsor), Google for Education (ISTE 2018 Gold Sponsor), WeTeach_CS, MIT Media Lab, Bootstrap, BirdBrain Technologies, Unity3D (ISTE 2018 Silver Sponsor), NCWIT, Heidi Williams (ISTE author of No Fear Coding) and many more. 

These intense series of interlocking sessions preceding the ISTE Chicago Conference and Exposition the afternoon of Saturday, June 23 in rooms 186, 183C, and 187C of the McCormick Place West building is FREE, but preregistration is necessary via the ISTE conference website.  Premium registration is NOT required.  Look forward to seeing you there! Read More

Hi everyone,


One of the amazing things about the ISTE Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) is that they're run exclusively by members who share their time, passion, and skills to help other educators advance their careers and make a difference in education. These volunteers are the heart of ISTE and I want to invite you to join them.

PLN volunteers do everything from overseeing the network's Twitter to working on book studies and webinars to helping with conference events. It's a great way to meet other leading educators and collaborate on amazing projects.


If you'd like to apply to serve as a PLN volunteer, just go to the ISTE volunteer page and fill out the form. In addition to PLN volunteers, you can sign up to help with things like reviewing advance copies of books, writing blog posts for the ISTE website, and many other roles. Whatever your interest, there's a way for you to contribute and make a difference in education. Sign up now!

Have any questions? Email Simon at shelton@iste.org. Read More

The Computer Science Network is excited to announce that Mr. Jorge Valenzuela is winner of the 2018 Computing Science Network Excellence Award. Congratulations Jorge!

A little information about our 2018 CSN winner!! 

Jorge Valenzuela has served as an educator for the past 14 years and holds both computer science and administrative credentials. He coaches hundreds of educators- both face to face and virtually in Computer Science, Backwards Design Planning, Project-Based Learning (PBL) and the internationally acclaimed Engineering by Design curriculum. He delivers motivational keynotes for universities, school divisions, and educational organizations and is the lead coach for Lifelong Learning Defined, Inc, a National Faculty of the Buck Institute for Education and a National Teacher Effectiveness Coach with the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. Read More

A great time was had by all who attended the webinar! Our KaHoot winners were:

Hank Highfill - Technology Director

John Hochstetler - Media Specialist

April Chamberlain - Technology Coordinator

Cindy Etherton - Elementary STEM Program Associate

Melinda Holt - Sacramento County Office of Education


Feel free to use the attached link to view the webinar. Read More