Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The two main courses which deal speciically with the teaching of computer science
are the Methods of Teaching Computer Science (MTCS) in the high school course
(whose teaching this guide is dedicated to) and the practicum in high school com-
puter science classes (see Chap. 13). One important principle of these courses is the
links between theory and practice by highlighting their ield component (see also
Computer Science Teaching Methodology Course piloted during the spring quarter
of 2012 in the Center X Teacher Education program at UCLA
3
).
We mention that the computer science teacher preparation programs serve also
in-service computer science teachers by offering them ongoing training about the
curriculum, teaching methods and developments in the field of computer science.
Indeed, it is reasonable to assume that it is easier to organize and facilitate trainings
for in-service computer science teachers within the existing infrastructure of the
computer science teacher preparation programs.
National Center for Computer Science Teachers
4
In 2000, the Israeli Ministry of
Education established a National Center for Computer Science Teachers. This cen-
ter is considered as the professional home for all Israeli computer science teachers.
It serves as a bridge between the computer science teachers and the academic dis-
ciplinary knowledge and research. These bridges are constructed via conferences,
workshops, seminars and courses, a website
5
, and a computer science education
journal.
The center activities are organized around five major themes:
• Helping create a professional community of computer science teachers
• Fostering the professional leadership of computer science teachers
• Supporting, assisting, and consulting academic computer science education
groups and computer science teacher educators and researchers.
• Collecting and distributing computer science education knowledge and experi-
ence.
• Researching and evaluating computer science teachers' needs and the center's
activities.
The above themes reflect the essence of the center as the professional home of
computer science teachers which enables them to be updated in an on-going manner
with respect to the frequent curricula development and changes, which especially
characterize the discipline of computer science. In addition, we should remember
that computer science teachers usually work in schools alone or in small teams and
therefore, the teacher center helps them be connected to the larger community of
computer science teachers.
3
Computer Science Teaching Methodology Course:
http://csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/
4
Based on Israeli National Center for Computer Science Teachers (
2002
). ﾩ 2002 ACM, Inc.
Included here by permission.
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