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Computer Science
Working Towards Computer Science for All
Computer science is the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their implementation, and their impact on society. [ACM, 2006]
Mission
We are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making computer science in Maryland better. We feel that this daunting task is best accomplished by partnering with various stakeholders. Our efforts are lead by the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE), the Maryland chapter of Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Our decision-making process is informed by best practices in the field. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits. Please join us!
about
ECSNet
ECSNet, our free lesson repository, offers over 1000 searchable resources for your computer science and computational thinking educational needs. Resources, such as lesson plans, are curated from all over the web, plus authored by local teachers. With such a wide variety of materials, you’re sure to find the perfect lesson to help your students learn and grow.
Purpose
Comprehensive, rigorous Computer Science curricula exist in secondary and higher education settings. On the other hand, at the elementary school level, existing curricula have gaps. Some curricula address mainly Algorithms and Programming concepts but do not sufficiently address all the other CS concepts (Computing Systems, Networks & the Internet, Data and Analysis, and Impacts of Computing).
Stand-alone curricula are essential, but this is not enough. ES curricula should also integrate CS concepts into content instruction to complement and enhance CS and content learning. Presently, some free CS resources lack meaningful integration. School systems are left to design their own CS curricula if they want them to be robust, comprehensive, cohesive, and integrated. Creating such curricula is a heavy lift and would involve significant duplication of effort across school systems.
We built ECSNet as a collaborative, searchable lesson repository to make it easier for school systems and teachers to locate and share quality resources. Since ECSNet is a database, the user can easily find lessons for a particular grade level, CS standard, content standard, type of technology, etc. ECSNet overcomes some drawbacks to a google search (i.e., you would have to dig to find out the applicable grade level and how to align it with MD CS or content standards).
ECSNet is a work in progress. The repository provides an indexed sampling of resources rather than a comprehensive catalog of all available lessons and units. When funding permits, we work to vet these resources and add more Maryland-authored materials.
ECSNet serves multiple audiences. Creators design Computer Science curricula. Creators include curriculum writers, MD ES CS Ambassadors, and Tech-savvy teachers (e.g., Library Media Specialists and Technology Teachers). Creators find ECSNet helpful in getting ideas and inspiration about how to craft curricula for a particular grade band, standard, or subject area. The other audience is Consumers. Consumers are teachers who are going to implement the instruction. Consumers include all of the creators plus other classroom generalists. Consumers find ECSNet helpful in finding units of study complete with a scope and sequence and exploring vetted lessons.
Contact us to learn more and get involved.