Computational Thinking with an Equity Lens

Since the launch of the CSforALL initiative in the US in January 2016, more attention has been paid to broadening participation within CS education. Computational thinking (CT) is a key strategy for understanding CS concepts and learning how to use them to solve problems. But what is CT in K-12? And is CT taught equitably? What are the challenges — both historically and currently — that get in the way of broadening participation in CS through CT? These include which students have access to high-quality teachers who know how to teach CT, and whether CT activities follow best practices for inclusive education. In this Expertise Connection, learn from three scholars about past and present efforts to support CT instruction, teacher professional development, and student learning. This session is appropriate for scholars and practitioners who want to learn more about CT, as well as those who are looking for ideas about how to integrate it into K-12 classes in a way that supports CS for All. And, to broaden the conversation at this conference, we look forward to thinking about emerging technologies and what they might bring to, what they might change, and what they look like in CS for All? The facilitators will each do a short presentation and then will lead an interactive discussion to address participant questions and grapple together to discuss how an equity lens can be used when CT is integrated into classes now and into the future.