布鲁金斯学会-不列颠哥伦比亚省如何实施计算机科学教育计划（英文）-2021.4-19页_15mb

Summary of British Columbia's Computer Science Education Program Implementation

Core Content and Purpose

British Columbia (B.C.) has implemented a comprehensive Computer Science (CS) education program aimed at equipping students with computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. These skills are crucial for future workforce readiness and active citizenship in the 21st century. The program is designed to reduce skills inequality by ensuring equitable access to CS education for all students, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Main Objectives

• Integrate CS into the K-12 curriculum to enhance student preparedness for the future.
• Provide early exposure to computational thinking to reduce learning barriers.
• Expand access to CS education, particularly for marginalized groups like Indigenous students and girls.
• Develop a sustainable pipeline of qualified CS teachers through professional development and university programs.

Key Implementation Steps

• 2011: The ANCESTOR project piloted a computer education program for Indigenous students at the Lau Welnew Tribal School, using digital storytelling.
• 2016: The B.C. government announced the introduction of CS education across all grade levels. This was driven by the growing technology industry and the need for more CS graduates to meet labor market demands.
• 2016-2017: The Ministry of Education partnered with NGOs Lighthouse Labs and Kids Code Jeunesse to deliver teacher training workshops.
• 2018: The CS curriculum was fully implemented in schools, with mandatory CS courses for grades 6-9 and optional electives in grades 11-12.
• 2018: A CA$6 million investment was made to support teacher professional development in CS.

Curriculum Structure

• Primary School (Grades K-5): Computational thinking is introduced early, focusing on numeracy, information technology, and basic problem-solving.
• Middle School (Grades 6-9): Mandatory CS courses include programming languages, algorithms, debugging, and electronics/robotics. Students are encouraged to explore both theoretical and practical applications.
• Secondary School (Grades 11-12): Two CS electives are offered, each fulfilling a mathematics credit requirement. These courses build on computational thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on real-world applications.

Teacher Professional Development

• The Ministry of Education and NGOs like Lighthouse Labs and Kids Code Jeunesse provided training workshops for teachers.
• Microsoft Philanthropies' TEALS program connects high school teachers with industry volunteers, offering support without issuing formal credits.
• Universities like the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) offer preservice teacher training in CS and related fields.
• Teachers can access online resources and creative lesson plans like CS Unplugged and "human coding" activities to enhance their teaching skills.

Stakeholder Involvement

• Government: Provided funding and policy support for the CS curriculum.
• NGOs and Private Companies: Lighthouse Labs, Kids Code Jeunesse, and Microsoft supported teacher training and curriculum development.
• Universities: Offered specialized courses to prepare future teachers and contributed to the expansion of CS education.
• Community Partners: Helped in the development of culturally relevant CS curricula for Indigenous students.

Inclusion and Equity

• Girls and Women: Programs like GIRLsmarts4tech by UBC and Microsoft's support for digital skills workshops have been instrumental in increasing female participation in CS.
• Indigenous Students: The ANCESTOR project and the use of digital storytelling in tribal schools have helped integrate Indigenous perspectives into CS education, making it more inclusive and culturally relevant.
• Flexible Curriculum: Teachers are encouraged to adapt the curriculum based on student needs and available technology, ensuring a personalized learning experience.

Lessons Learned

• Curriculum Integration: Embedding computational thinking across different subjects can make CS more accessible.
• Inclusive Pedagogy: Incorporating marginalized groups' perspectives enhances student engagement and inclusion.
• University Role: Universities are essential in preparing preservice teachers for CS education.
• NGO Support: NGOs and private companies can provide valuable technical expertise and training resources.

Conclusion

British Columbia's approach to CS education demonstrates a strategic and inclusive implementation that addresses both the needs of the technology sector and the educational development of all students. The province's focus on early exposure, teacher training, and cultural relevance has set a precedent for other regions looking to expand CS education.