Computer Science Education Endorsement
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The Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence is designed to equip certified classroom teachers with the skills and pedagogy to teach computer science successfully leading to a “unique endorsement” in computer science education from the Connecticut State Department of Education at either the elementary (PK-6) or secondary (4-12) level.
Who is the Computer Science Education Endorsement program for?
Courses in the Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence are designed for practicing educators who are novices in the field of computer science. No previous experience with computer science or computer programming is required or expected. Only candidates with a teacher certification will be eligible for the state endorsement, however the sequence is open to non-certified educators who may be working in the private, enrichment, or informal education fields. For candidates with previous professional experience teaching computer science, a customized plan of study can be arranged.
What will I study?
Courses in the Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence will introduce topics such as the design of computer systems and networks, digital data structures and analysis techniques, and the development of algorithms and programs. Technical skills and pedagogical practices are discussed side by side throughout the courses. Candidates will develop a strong conceptual, technical, and pedagogical foundation to apply to the dynamic and fast-growing field of K-12 computer science education. Candidates will be introduced to various coding platforms, including but not limited to, Code.org.
Why choose Computer Science Education at SHU?
Sacred Heart University is the first and only college in Connecticut to design a course sequence for the Computer Science Education Endorsement! As the official CT partner of national nonprofit Code.org, Sacred Heart University is part of the groundswell for K-12 computer science education in every corner of our state. As a result, the faculty for this sequence represent a robust network of experienced K-12 and university computer science educators, professional learning facilitators, and researchers.
What courses will I be taking?
The Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence consists of four courses, which are all offered online and include synchronous and asynchronous coursework. The first course is common to both the elementary and secondary pathways.
Elementary Courses
This course begins by analyzing how users interact with existing computational devices and expect students to propose improvements based on these observations. Students will design projects that combine hardware and software components, and also interact with other pieces of cyber-physical systems. Students will model role of network protocols in transmitting data on the Internet.
This course provides an understanding of data and related concepts using multiple encoding schemes on various computational tools. Core data operations such as storing, copying, searching, retrieving, modifying, deleting and transforming information. Students will collect and present data in various visual formats, and be able to identify and describe patterns in data visualizations to make predictions, as well as highlight and propose cause-and effect relationships. Social impacts of computing are also presented.
This course helps students create prototypes to solve computational problems, modeling daily processes to complete tasks. Students will develop programs with sequences and simple repetitions (loops) to express ideas or solve basic problems. Flowcharts and pseudocode concepts will be introduced to emphasize the importance of design before starting development. The importance of decomposing a problem into smaller parts will also be introduced. Students will be expected to systematically design and develop programs making selections among various alternative approaches to solve a problem and justify their choice.
This course focuses on hands-on skills for students to develop plans that describe a particular program's sequence of events, goals, and expected outcomes. Proper program development skills in modular design, indentation, commenting, and help files will be studied. Students will be asked to debug (i.e., identify and fix) errors in programs, and explain how errors are fixed by using relevant terminology.
Prerequisite: Pre or co-req EDCS-505 or EDCS-515
Secondary Courses
This course begins by analyzing how users interact with existing computational devices and expect students to propose improvements based on these observations. Students will design projects that combine hardware and software components, and also interact with other pieces of cyber-physical systems. Students will model role of network protocols in transmitting data on the Internet.
This course provides an understanding of data and related concepts using multiple encoding schemes on various computational tools. Core data operations such as storing, copying, searching, retrieving, modifying, deleting and transforming information. Students will collect and present data in various visual formats, and be able to identify and describe patterns in data visualizations to make predictions, as well as highlight and propose cause-and effect relationships. Social impacts of computing are also presented.
This course helps students create prototypes to solve computational problems, modeling daily processes to complete tasks. Students will develop programs with sequences and simple repetitions (loops) to express ideas or solve basic problems. Flowcharts and pseudocode concepts will be introduced to emphasize the importance of design before starting development. The importance of decomposing a problem into smaller parts will also be introduced. Students will be expected to systematically design and develop programs making selections among various alternative approaches to solve a problem and justify their choice.
This course focuses on hands-on skills for students to develop plans that describe a particular program's sequence of events, goals, and expected outcomes. Proper program development skills in modular design, indentation, commenting, and help files will be studied. Students will be asked to debug (i.e., identify and fix) errors in programs and explain how errors are fixed using relevant terminology.
Prerequisite: Take EDCS-506 or EDCS-516
Is the Computer Science Education Endorsement right for me?
There are many types of students for whom the Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence is appropriate. Many educators can benefit from deepening their computer science background and participating in a professional learning community for computer science. The list below highlights some of these possibilities:
- Candidates for the M.Ed. degree at SHU can add the Computer Science Education Endorsement to their program, completing the endorsement requirements as part of their degree
- In-service educators at the elementary or secondary level who are advocating for, preparing to teach, or already teaching computer science courses
- Elementary and secondary teachers who would like to earn the Computer Science Education Endorsement as part of a Certificate of Advanced Study in STEAM Education
- Non-certified educators with an interest in incorporating computer science into private, enrichment, or informal educational settings
Is field work required?
While courses will emphasize application of computer science skills to K-12 settings and students, there are no formal field-work requirements.
What are my career opportunities with an endorsement in computer science?
Currently in Connecticut, there is no particular subject-area certification required to teach computer science courses, beyond being a certified educator at that grade level. At Sacred Heart University, we believe every student deserves a well-prepared teacher in computer science, just as they do in every other subject area. As the certification environment for computer science evolves, this program brings computer science closer to parity with other subjects. Candidates who complete the Computer Science Education Endorsement will be well-prepared to lead computer science courses at either the elementary or secondary level, positioning themselves for opportunities in their current schools and districts or beyond. More computer science courses are being offered across Connecticut each year!
How long will it take to complete?
The Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence is designed to be completed in one year of part-time study at a rate of one course per term (including summer terms). Students can complete the four course sequence by taking more than one course per term. Candidates should note the planned course offerings above and recognize that the first two courses (EDCS 501, EDCS 503/504) must be completed before taking either of the last two courses (EDCS 505/506 and EDCS 507/508).