Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals from Coursera

In this course you’ll focus on the fundamentals of teaching the impacts of technology, starting by exploring how you interact with and benefit from technology in a typical 24 hour period, such as the desire for instant food and entertainment. This will be done through a series of paired teaching sections, exploring a specific “Impact of Computing” in your typical day and the “Technologies and Computing Concepts” that enable that impact, all at a K12-appropriate level.

This course is part of a larger Specialization through which you’ll learn impacts of computing concepts you need to know, organized into 5 distinct digital "worlds”, as well as learn pedagogical techniques and evaluate lesson plans and resources to utilize in your classroom. By the end, you’ll be prepared to teach pre-college learners to be both savvy and effective participants in their digital world.

In this particular digital world (daily life), you’ll explore the following Impacts & Technology pairs --

Impacts (Food Delivery): Apps that bring you food, drivers, and find and recommend businesses

Technologies and Computing Concepts: Geolocation, Push Notifications, Near Field Communications, HMTL5, GPS, Graph representations, Minimal Spanning Trees, Shortest Path Algorithms

Impacts (Entertainment): Streaming for entertainment and education, Environmental impact of Internet, YouTube culture

Technologies and Computing Concepts: Data Centers, Downloading vs Streaming, Digital vs. Analog image representation, basic compression algorithms, Internet metrics (latency, bandwidth)

In the pedagogy section for this course, in which best practices for teaching computing concepts are explored, you’ll learn to employ constructivist activities useful in teaching impacts of computing and to evaluate and contribute to an unplugged lesson plan.

In terms of CSTA K-12 computer science standards, we’ll primarily cover learning objectives within the “impacts of computing” concept, while also including some within the “networks and the Internet” concepts and the “data and analysis” concept. Practices we cover include “fostering and inclusive computing culture”, “recognizing and defining computational problems”, and “communicating about computing”.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

Welcome! Are you interested in teaching about the impacts of the technology you use everyday? To learn more about the computation and computing concepts that underlie those technologies? We'll be using a problem-based approach to explore interesting ways to teach concepts of networks and the internet, data and analysis, and even algorithms and data representation. Finally, we'll evaluate, critique and improve/personalize an "unplugged activity" where students learn how to create the minimal network needed to provide connectivity amongst a set of houses. This activity can be scaled for use in grade levels from 4th grade to 12th grade.

Technology: Bring Me Some Food!

How do you interact with and benefit from technology in a 24 hour period? We'll ask you to track your technology use and reflect on its costs and benefits to you. We'll also start by looking at a problem many people might have in a given 24 hour period -- being hungry and wanting someone to bring them some food! We'll explore several smartphone apps related to this including doordash, yelp, and lyft.

I want my entertainment... NOW!

Streaming media has had huge impacts not only on consumer choice, but on who is enabled to produce digital media -- be it entertainment or education. Then we'll look at some of the limitations and possible new advances in this area.

Impacts of Computing and Pedagogy

This week our work falls into 2 categories. The impacts computing has had on our lives so far may not be the entire story. The CSTA K-12 standards focus a lot on having students not only look at the past, but consider impacts of future advances. Second, we reflect on core constructivist learning theory -- but with a specific focus on teaching computing concepts.

Lesson Plans

We'll evaluate a "CS Unplugged" lesson plan that supports students in learning how to represent real world map/travel representations in a graph. This lesson plan extends upon the "Paving a Muddy City" online simulator you used earlier in the course. We'll walk through a revised lesson plan and ask you to help improve it by added vocabulary and assessment items. You'll be able to contribute to and access a crowdsources set of resources created by other learners in this class!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches impacts of computing, fostering computational thinking and communication skills in K-12 learners

Coursework is aligned with CSTA K-12 computer science learning standards, ensuring relevance to the field

Employs a problem-based approach to teaching computing concepts, making the learning experience engaging and practical

Led by experienced instructors in the field, Beth Simon, providing credibility to the course content

Focuses on teaching impacts of everyday technology, making the content relatable and accessible to learners

Covers a range of specific impacts and technologies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter

Reviews summary

Technology impacts on teaching: well received

Learners say this course is wonderful, engaging, and they learned a lot. Students found the material to be helpful and are looking forward to the next course in the series.

Effective lessons

"Learn a lot and refresh"

"I learned so many things and its just the first course!! Imagine what I can learn in 6 courses for my specialization"

Relevant and interesting

"This course was very engaging and I learned a lot about technology."

"Excellent explanation from tutor and responsive to queries and questions."

Well regarded & high quality

"This course was very engaging and I learned a lot about technology."

"I learned so many things and its just the first course!! Imagine what I can learn in 6 courses for my specialization 💗"

"Wonderful to end this specialization with this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals with these activities:

Review the Fundamentals of Algorithms and Complexity

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Reviewing the core concepts of algorithms and complexity theory will strengthen the foundation needed for this course and help you understand the material more deeply.

Browse courses on Algorithms

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Study notes and textbooks on algorithms and complexity theory
Solve practice problems and exercises

Read 'Introduction to Algorithms' by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein

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Reading 'Introduction to Algorithms' will provide a comprehensive overview of core algorithms and data structures, enriching your understanding for this course.

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Read the assigned chapters carefully
Study the examples and practice problems
Attend lectures and discussions related to the book content

Explore Online Tutorials on Data Structures

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Going through online tutorials will supplement your understanding of various data structures and their applications, which is essential for this course.

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Find reputable online resources or platforms offering tutorials on data structures
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts
Apply the learned concepts to solve practice problems or small projects

Five other activities

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Form a Study Group with Classmates or Colleagues

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Collaborating with peers through a study group can enhance your understanding by discussing concepts, working through problems, and providing feedback.

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Identify classmates or colleagues with similar interests or schedules
Establish regular meeting times and a study plan
Take turns presenting concepts, leading discussions, and solving problems

Solve Graph Theory Practice Problems

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Solving practice problems in graph theory will enhance your understanding of the concepts and techniques covered in the course.

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Gather practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or previous assignments
Solve the problems using appropriate graph theory techniques
Check your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Develop a Visual Representation of a Complex Algorithm

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Creating a visual representation of an algorithm will help you comprehend its steps and flow more effectively.

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Choose an algorithm to visualize
Design a visual representation using diagrams, charts, or animations
Implement or create the visual representation using appropriate tools

Attend a Workshop on Advanced Data Structures

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Attending a workshop will provide an immersive and hands-on experience, deepening your knowledge of advanced data structures and their practical applications.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Research and identify relevant workshops in your area or online
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials
Actively participate in the workshop, take notes, and ask questions

Contribute to Open-Source Projects Related to Algorithms or Data Structures

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Contributing to open-source projects will provide real-world experience in implementing and applying algorithms and data structures, enhancing your problem-solving skills.

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skills
Study the project's codebase and documentation
Propose and implement improvements or new features

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers design and teach computer science concepts to students in a variety of educational settings, from kindergarten to grade 12. They develop lesson plans, create and manage learning environments, and assess student progress. A background in computer science and teaching pedagogy is essential for success as a Computer Science Teacher. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course can provide you with pedagogical techniques and evaluate lesson plans and resources to utilize in your classroom. It can help you learn to employ constructivist activities useful in teaching impacts of computing and to evaluate and contribute to an unplugged lesson plan.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create, develop, and evaluate instructional materials and learning experiences. They work with subject-matter experts to translate technical information into engaging and effective learning content. A background in education, instructional design, or a related field is typical for Instructional Designers. By providing you with pedagogical techniques to teach computing concepts and the opportunity to evaluate lesson plans, the Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course can help you begin building a foundation for a career as an Instructional Designer.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational materials, including textbooks, lesson plans, and online courses. They work with teachers, subject-matter experts, and other stakeholders to ensure that educational materials are aligned with curriculum standards and learning objectives. A background in curriculum development or a related field is typically required for Curriculum Developers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for those who wish to learn pedagogical techniques to teach computing concepts.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide advice and support to schools and other educational institutions on a variety of topics, including curriculum development, instruction, and assessment. They work with educators, administrators, and parents to improve student learning outcomes. A background in education or a related field is typically required for Educational Consultants. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Educational Consultants who wish to learn more about pedagogical techniques to teach computing concepts.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, develop, and maintain computer networks. They work with users to gather requirements, design and develop network solutions, and test and debug network code. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Network Administrators. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Network Administrators who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design, develop, and maintain information security systems. They work with users to gather requirements, design and develop security solutions, and test and debug security code. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Information Security Analysts. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Information Security Analysts who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and maintain robots. They work with engineers from other disciplines, such as mechanical engineers and electrical engineers, to develop robots for a variety of applications. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Robotics Engineers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Robotics Engineers who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with users to gather requirements, design and develop software solutions, and test and debug software code. A background in computer science or a related field is essential for Software Developers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Software Developers who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer code to create software applications. They work with Software Developers to design and develop software solutions, and they test and debug software code. A background in computer science or a related field is essential for Computer Programmers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Computer Programmers who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, develop, and maintain artificial intelligence systems. They work with data scientists and machine learning engineers to collect and prepare data, and they develop and train artificial intelligence models. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Artificial Intelligence Engineers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Artificial Intelligence Engineers who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with data from a variety of sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and web logs. A background in statistics, computer science, or a related field is typically required for Data Scientists. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Data Scientists who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They work with users to gather requirements, design and develop system solutions, and test and debug system code. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Computer Systems Analysts. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning models. They work with data scientists to collect and prepare data, and they develop and train machine learning models. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Machine Learning Engineers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and maintain databases. They work with users to gather requirements, design and develop database solutions, and test and debug database code. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Database Administrators. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Database Administrators who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They work with users to gather requirements, design and develop web-based solutions, and test and debug web code. A background in computer science or a related field is typically required for Web Developers. The Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals course may be useful for Web Developers who wish to learn more about the impacts of computing technology on society.

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