Gamers Help Solve Medical Problems

Protein Game Site

This is really cool!  It makes sense to use a game to solve a problem as problem-solving is a essential part of playing any game.
I have made several posts about using games to teach Computer Science and the benefits.  I have been using basic games, complex games, and the theory and logic behind them to teach Computer Science and problem-solving concepts in my classes for a long time.  Games, like bowling, are just good family fun.  Games are interesting and get students excited and they require serious thought and planning to build.  I have my students build a sliding puzzle project in GridWorld and use it as a stepping stone to talk about using priority queues and the A* algorithm to write an automated solver.  The A* algorithm is a fun algorithm to learn and can be used for lots of different games and such.   Yes, I did just use algorithm and fun in the same sentence and meant to do it!  The games are the hook and the rest of the concepts just fall into place.

Sliding Puzzle Image

CS Education Act Press Release

The link above is to the press release detailing the Computer Science Education Act.

New Bill Focuses on Lack of CS Grads

The CS Ed Act should provide a much needed focus on CS education.  This article discusses the act and its possibilities.  This is an interesting development and one that quite a few different groups support.  Anything that can get some attention focused on Computer Science Education is a good thing and it is even better when the plan makes sense.

The article also poses the question concerning the affects standardization could have on those programs that take a more non-standard creative approach to teaching the subject.  I like the reference to making the program “sexier” in the description of the Porter-Gaud  CS program.  I have said quite few times that Computer Science programs need to be “sexier”  if you want students to sign up.  Computer Science has lots to offer but learning needs to be engaging and entertaining or students are just not going to get involved.

Most High Schools Lack Quality CS Programs

This is another interesting article that kind of piggy backs on the one listed above.  I spoke with Erik when he was working on the article and he makes some really nice points about the issues facing Computer Science education.  He spoke to quite a few people and has some really nice data included.

Java Developers in High Demand

This article provides an overview of the current IT job market and pinpoints the Java Developer segment specifically.  According to this report, there are 14,000 Java Developer jobs open in the US with an average salary of around 89,000 dollars per year.  That is pretty decent money and the fact that the jobs are all over the US makes the job openings even better.  This information is also consistent with the US department of labor jobs projections for IT jobs.
Once again, this is just another thing to share with our Computer Science students so that they can see the benefits of having Computer Science skills.  The more tools you have in your tool belt the more marketable you are as an employee and the more flexible you are as an entrepreneur.

Undergrad Curriculum Focuses on Supercomputing Skills

This looks really cool.  Students are learning how to use Supercomputers to further their research.  This degree is helping students to understand how to use computing skills in many different fields.  The degree is not a Computer Science degree, but certainly has lots of Computer Science in it.  Scientific Computation is something that students definitely need to understand.

Will the Robotics Industry Be Huge in the Future?

It sure looks like the field of robotics and the robotics industry could be huge.  As the technology advances, I can see robots doing some really cool stuff.  Bill Gates was quoted a year or so back as saying he thought robotics would be the next big tech industry.  Really though – what does he know?
Check out some of the videos online for the Japanese robotics walking on the runways.  Those images are spooky as the robots look to be able to walk and run better than I can.  Not to say that I am the perfect example of running and walking, but I would like to think I was better at it than a robot.  After watching those videos, I am pretty sure I have mechanic competition on  the way.
My students and kids in general really do enjoy working with robotics.  They like building them and writing code to make them go.  Using robotics in class gets students excited and builds interest in Computer Science.

Algorithms Used to Create Vaccines

This is the stuff students need to hear about.  Science and Computer Science being used together to prevent illness.  Students like to see relevance in what they are learning and how they will use the skills later.  I share these type of articles with my students all year long; they sure do help to provide real examples of the amazing stuff going on using Computer Science.

CMU Using Robots to Create CS Majors

CMU is going to use the tremendous interest in robotics to get more students interested in Computer Science.  Many of us at the high school level have been doing this for years.  Students love working with robots due to the fact they can see the results of their ideas in action.  Robots move and act out the solutions to the problems that students create.  This is very engaging and exciting.  Elementary, middle, and high school students find robotics very engaging.  Using robotics also shows students another side of Computer Science that is very kinesthetic and social.  Two things that are often lacking in typical Computer Science classes.
Way to go CMU!

Google Android App Inventor – direct link to the Google Site
Article about the App Inventor

I am a big fan of Scratch and feel that it is a great educational tool that accommodates a large number of different learning styles.  Students gain confidence quickly with Scratch and learn tons of very important Computer Science concepts, including problem solving and algorithm development.  Scratch helps to make Computer Science accessible to many students that otherwise would not have given the discipline a go.

I really like that the Google Android App Inventor is built using a block programming structure similar to that of Scratch.  A student or child of any age will be able to use this tool.  I have two elementary age sons that both program using Scratch and I am looking forward to seeing the Android Apps they create.

The Google Android App Inventor will be another great tool to use in schools to help teach Computer Science.  Students will really enjoy that they can write useful applications that can run on their phones.

Here are a few articles that provide some compelling  justification for learning how to design and create Android Apps.

http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/Feeds/2010/07/wireless-who-is-making-those-160-000-android-phones-activat/
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/07/08/latest-comscore-data-android-market-exploding/

The University Interscholastic League will be hosting the 14th ANNUAL UIL CAPITAL CONFERENCE in Austin on the UT campus on July 9th and 10th.  This conference is designed to allow teachers and UIL Academic coordinators to discuss the UIL Academic Competitions and the rules, procedures, and contest of the individual competitions.   The conference will have a 2 day Java workshop and a PC^2 workshop.

If you are at the Capital Conference, stop by and chat as I will have a booth setup somewhere on site with information about  contest preparation materials and curriculum materials for the upcoming school year and UIL Academic season.  I will have some cool giveaways, sample materials, and demos running.

I will also be making a stop of at the Salt Lick for the world’s best barbecue.  If you are ever in the Austin area, you have to drive out to Driftwood and eat the original Salt Lick Location.  It is amazing stuff.

Follow up – The Capital Conference was great!  I saw lots of people and had a great time.  Thanks to all that stopped by to chat.   The BBQ at the Salt Lick was world class as usual.

UIL Capital Conference

Things are looking good for Computing Careers!

This about the one millionth post that I have made about Computing Careers, but I will go ahead and post this information anyway.  It appears that the data for Computing Careers continues to indicate that a large number of good jobs will be available in the future.  This information is consistent with the data that has been floating around for the last few years.

I continue to stress to all of the students in our Computer Science classes that they need to take Computer Science classes to make themselves for marketable and adaptable as they will need Computing skills when on the job at some point.  Hopefully, they will head my words.