Code Girl - the complete video - now available online free

Hi all,

Click here for the full version of Code Girl, an outstanding video telling the story of how several young women decided to take their passion and creativity for coding and apply it towards the common good.

http://mashable.com/2016/01/07/code-girl-video/?utm_cid=mash-com-sav-desc-link#OZ6nsVjvZkqV

- Mr. Svetlik

Legacy Voting Machines Vulnerable - A Challenge for the Next Generation of Computer Scientists?!?!?

Here is yet another case for how computing has such a large impact in all fields..

https://gcn.com/articles/2015/12/22/legacy-voting-machine-security.aspx

- Svetty

CS Ed Week Tool for 3D Modeling

hi all,

With plenty of excitement surrounding CS Ed Week (fast approaching next week), here's an activity that will be available for you to check out.

- Svetty
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In one hour, have your students learn about computer science by building an exciting 3D game which they can share on mobile phones during CSEdWeek this year. They will not only learn about programming, but also learn to design their own 3D models. The students create 3D characters, entire worlds, and rule these worlds through programming. We have added international versions including localized versions of instructional videos, and programming language tool tips:

* English: www.csedweek.us (by University of Colorado at Boulder, USA)

* German, French, Italian: www.csedweek.ch (by School of Education FHNW, Switzerland) 

* Spanish: www.csedweek.mx (by Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico)

What is so unique about this tutorial? This tutorial is not a sequence of programming puzzles but is based on the principles of the project-first pedagogy.

Students are provided a complete programing environment in which they build a working game. The ownership resulting from creating their own 3D worlds and characters has been found to motivate students' interest in programming. In one hour students can create the first working part of a 3D game including 3D modeling and programing. Our data show that students are so motivated to build their game that the majority continue to work on their games beyond one hour. 

The tutorial is based on 3D AgentCubes online, a cloud-based computational thinking tool. Games and simulations built as part of this activity can be extended later, and can be played on smartphones.

Google Code-in Coming Up Soon

Hi all,

Here's another opportunity in light of CS Education Week fast approaching:  it's called "Google Code-in".  Anyone of any ability level can participate.

g.co/codein

Let me know what you think!

Mr. Svetlik

In the Wake of CS Ed Week About to Launch

This article is from one of the co-founders of code.org on the need for diversifying technology education.

A great read to reinforce how important it is to have ALL students experience computer science.

http://techcrunch.com/2015/11/24/diversifying-technology-education/

- Svetty

Related to Chatbot and the Turing Test

Relevant to our most recent work with ChatBot.. looks like the Turing Test was finally cracked.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/08/super-computer-simulates-13-year-old-boy-passes-turing-test

Mr. Svetlik

Fifty for the Future Contest

Do you have a High School Senior who has shown a passion for technology, utilizing technology in innovative and creative ways.   Who has aspirations to include technology in their field of study at the college level and beyond into a career.   Then they have what it takes to be honored by the Illinois Technology Foundation’s Fifty for the Future award program.   Each year we honor 50 College Students and 10 High School Seniors who have proven determination and foresight through their education and deeds in the application and development of technology.  The students can self nominate themselves or a teacher can make a faculty nomination.   Here is the link for more details and nominations:

Fifty For The Future - http://fiftyforthefuture.org