RAFT teams up with Code.org to offer free workshops to assist in teaching computer science.

Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) is offering free technology classes designed by Code.org, who will cover all workshop costs. The workshops will be open to everyone, though slots are limited. The workshops will be taught by RAFT’s Instructional Technology Educator, Seema Khan. Khan has been certified as an official Code.org trainer and these one-day workshops are designed for elementary school teachers interested in teaching computer science.

Regardless of subjects taught to a child, computer science is foundational knowledge for 21st century students. Students who take technology classes will be ahead of their peers and will be better prepared for college.

Launched in 2013, Code.org® is a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. Code.org’s vision is that students in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science, regardless of their background or skill level. The organization believes computer science should be part of core curriculum, alongside other courses such as biology, chemistry or algebra, and that technology should be used to inspire students.

“These classes are very important. There are 15,000 new computer science teachers today. Technology is a large part of our children’s culture and our teachers need to be able to incorporate technology, especially computer science, into their lessons,” says Seema Khan, Instructional Technology Educator at RAFT.

The free workshops will be held at the RAFT San Jose location, and will include in-person instruction facilitating an intro to computer science, pedagogy, overview of the online curriculum, teacher dashboard, and strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities. Students will also receive a printed curriculum guide and a Certificate of Completion which may count towards PD credit. Over 10,000 teachers have participated in similar workshops and the majority say it is the best PD they have ever attended.

If you’re located in the San Jose, California area, sign up now to gain access to, and start teaching life-changing skills. Please click the links provided with each session date to register. And for questions and comments, please contact Seema Khan at skhan(at)raft(dot)net.

Current Workshops:

September 26: Code.org Workshop (at RAFT San Jose)

October 24: Code.org Workshop (at RAFT San Jose)

About RAFT
RAFT believes the best way to spark the love of learning for the next generation of thinkers, innovators, problem-solvers, and creators, is through hands-on learning. A nonprofit organization since 1994, RAFT serves 12,000 educators each year who teach over 900,000 students. Find out more about RAFT and how to get involved at http://www.raft.729solutions.com.