Integrating Computer Science into ELA: A Tale of Two Literacies

Description

This one-day professional development session is designed specifically for English Language Arts (ELA) teachers, offering practical strategies and innovative approaches to enrich their classrooms. Participants will explore how computational thinking (CT) concepts can enhance critical thinking and deepen student engagement with ELA content. The session will highlight the connections between computing principles and core ELA skills, demonstrating how CT can support reading, writing, and analysis.

With a focus on the unique needs of ELA educators, participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, discovering how CT can integrate seamlessly into their curriculum. The day will also include conversations on equity and justice in technology use, ensuring that learning experiences remain inclusive and accessible for all students. By the end of the session, teachers will have actionable ideas and strategies to create interdisciplinary lessons that foster both traditional literacy and digital literacy skills.

Background | Strength Across Schools is a regional collaboration to teach justice-focused computational thinking and computer science in middle School ELA Classrooms. It is a collaborative partnership between University of Pittsburgh researchers, districts, teachers, and regional educational organizations, with the goal to integrate computational thinking and computer science into ELA classrooms. 

What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible

Who Should Attend | ELA teachers grades 5 - 9, literacy coaches, or others involved in ELA teaching for middle grade students.

Lunch will be provided.

Host or Publisher transformED