by Exciting Summer Kickoff for Project Tomorrow’s Computational Thinking Integration in Michigan!
The week of June 17 marked an exciting start for Project Tomorrow’s Computational Thinking Integration Project in Michigan. The kickoff began with the interactive “CT in the D” event at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), hosted in partnership with Wayne RESA and Project Tomorrow.
“CT in the D” brought together a full room of enthusiastic participants eager to advance teaching methodologies through the integration of computational thinking. The morning session introduced teachers to key concepts of Computational Thinking, engaging them in various puzzles and exercises to practice these ideas and brainstorm how to apply them effectively in classroom settings. This hands-on approach aimed to equip educators with practical strategies to foster problem-solving skills and critical thinking among students.
Participants echoed their enthusiasm, with one educator noting,
My key takeaway was the ease with which CT can be incorporated into every aspect of education. Teaching, learning, coaching, staff professional development, etc. – everything can incorporate CT.
Following the “CT in the D” event, the first cohort of educators completed their “CT 101” training workshops in Linden and Troy. Nearly 50 educators from Southeast Michigan delved deeper into Computational Thinking (CT), learning its importance as a transformative and empowering tool for students. They practiced integration strategies and experienced firsthand the significant impact of CT in education through interactive “unplugged” lessons that showcased the value of CT in all curricular areas.
As one educator reflected from the CT 101 sessions, “I am hoping that students will see themselves as problem solvers and not need me as often and can feel success in solving [problems] themselves.”
These dedicated educators are now gearing up for “CT 201” later this summer, where they will enhance their skills with technology tools and hands-on “plugged” activities for CT implementation.
