Sequences & Stories, Part 2: Computational Thinking in Youth Services

Part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1 on connected learning was held April 23. You can attend the September 23 session if you did not attend Part 1 on April 23.  Those who attend both workshops will be eligible for incentives, such as mini-grants or professional development scholarships.

Presenters: Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, WI DPI;  Caitlin Schaffer, Oconomowoc Public Library;  Angela Meyers and Laurie Freund, Bridges Library System

This workshop will introduce participants to Computational Thinking (CT), which is a set of problem-solving methods that involve expressing problems and their solutions in ways that a computer could execute. CE is also referred to as “coding.” Don’t feel intimidated–the session will be relaxed with no PYTHON, HTML, or binary code spoken or used! Participants will get hands-on experience and a chance to discuss what computational thinking really is (and how you are already doing it). This workshop will help you integrate CT into your library’s activities for ages 0-18 years, with and without tech.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will…

• Articulate core concepts of computational thinking
• Begin designing activities for and with children and teens that connect to CT
• Understand the value of integrating CT into activities for and with teens and younger kids
• Connect CT to pre-existing library activities and services

Sponsored by the Southeastern Wisconsin (SEWI) library systems: Arrowhead, Bridges, Kenosha County, Lakeshores, Milwaukee County Federated, and Monarch Library Systems. Sponsored also by Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and partly funded with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which administers the Library Services and Technology (LSTA) administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.