Why you Need a Popcorn Maker

Ok - I know, this is not exactly a programmable device.

But, I am assuming you want to get kids into your lab. I spent $20 on this last year and it has by far been the best piece of equipment I have added to our lab.

Why?

• Teenagers like food
• I have never in 16 years had a kid allergic to pop-corn
• It is cheap food, and I am a teacher...enough said
• As a mom I like that popcorn is relatively healthy. We eat it plain - no junk added. They grumble, but they still eat it.
• The aroma brings kids in from the hall. I have at least two kids in my classes this year that first came to the lab for the popcorn

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So why do we need CS Principles

I have been asked a lot this past year about why CS Principles is being developed.

Even though computer science is all about change, and the changes in our field seem to zoom by at lightning speed, there are some core ideas and well, principles, that are central to understanding how they work.

For those of us in the AP Computer Science community we do a great job of delivering computer science education. We all can point to students we have launched into the world. These students have overcome obstacles and are working and creating jobs in all sorts of places.

Sadly, this is not enough.

The existing computer science curriculum in K-12 schools does a good job for the few students it reaches, but what about everyone else? Think about where you are....how many schools around you have computer science? How many students in those schools have access to the classes?

Really, how many kids in your community even know what computer science is?

For me it is a question of literacy. To be a productive person you must be literate in the tools society is using to drive change. For that past few centuries this meant reading and writing. While these skills are still necessary for students, understanding computers and technology has become the new marker of literacy.

Simply put, anyone that does not have a foundation in computer science will not be as prepared for the changes to come.

This does not mean that every student needs to master computer science. There will always be a need for a core group of programmers that have reached a master level of understanding. These are the people that, to quote Virginia Tech, invent the future. We need more of these people. We also need these people to reflect the needs of the larger community they serve through their innovation.

And for everyone else? The computer is the tool of the future. We communicate, learn, work create...all with computing devices. To use them well means understanding some fundamental things about how they work and what they can, and cannot, do.

Think about Mr. Rodgers - "these are the people in your neighborhood". How many of them could do their job without a computer? How much of their daily life outside of work- communicating, playing, making, could happen without a computer?

Often in media computers are presented as magic. The character pushes a button and poof - the problem is solved. Those of us in CS know this is just slight of hand. Behind the scenes someone created a tool on a computer to solve the problem.

So this is why we need the CS Principles course. Every student in America needs a rigorous preparation for their future. That preparation must include computer science. Without access to computer science we run the risk innovation looking like magic, only available to those that know the trick.

Last week the CS Principles Phase II piloters met in Chicago. This is a great group of folks working hard to design the curriculum for this new computer science course. I have been so lucky this year to be a part of this community. It has been tiring, frustrating, humbling...and all totally worth it.  Hopefully after this year we have all pushed the rock a bit farther up the hill.

Everything you need to know about CS Principles. This page has all the documents that frame the course. One easy place for all the information.

Take a look, ask some questions. It is time for us as a community to really start the conversation on making the change happen.

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Stop Painful Parent Conferences You need an Action Plan

It is that time of year...pool, fireflies, and skipping seniors.

Inevitably I end up with a small group of students in danger of failing computer science because of a ridiculous backlog of missing work. Especially if the student needs the class to graduate there can be a lot of pressure and friction in this situation.

A few years back, after a particularly ugly round I had a brilliant idea - the action plan. I use this strategy to inject sanity into these stressful parent interactions.

It is a two step process.

1. I have the students sign a plan that lists all the work they need to turn in.The key to this is use specific due dates. Dont do the work on time? You dont pass.
2. I get them to sign it and mail a copy home, then call to let the parents know it is coming. Every time they miss an appointment to do the work, I call home.

I cannot begin to tell you how many headaches this avoids. Parents know exactly what is coming, and the student has an exact plan for how to improve the grade. Most of my students now successfully finish their step-by-step plan and end up passing.
For a kid that has fallen behind seeing a list of items listed by date takes an overwhelming problem and makes it doable.

And for the kids that dont do it? It creates perfect documentation of how I tried to help them pass. It has removed almost all of  the tension form those end of the year parent conferences.

You can download a copy here.

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When In Need Of Excel Consulting San Francisco Businesses Are In Luck

By Angel Dudley

Spreadsheet software must surely count as one of the most versatile tools computers users have available to them. Every household, individual and organization needs to keep records, balance the budget and keep track of a host of number related information. Spreadsheets are versatile and can be used for both basic and very complex calculations. Most businesses will only truly realize its potential once they employ software specialists. For professional Excel consulting San Francisco business can pick and choose from the very best in the field.

Spreadsheet programs are normally part of general office software tools. Using integrated office computing packages are advantageous because the various programs in the suite, such as word processors, presentation software and even database systems all share certain features and they have the same look and feel. They can share information between each other and they are relatively easy to learn to use. This compatibility saves both time and money.

Some people view spreadsheets as simple tools where number scan be stored and basic calculations, similar to that found in an ordinary calculator can be done. This is most certainly not the case. Modern spreadsheet programs are extremely powerful tools. They can perform complicated calculations and they can be used to produce forecasts, graphs and pivot tables, for example, quickly and easily.

In order to make full use of the many functions offered by spreadsheet programs it may be wise to hire the services of a consultant. Consultants can help businesses to set up systems that are easy to use but that nevertheless make full use of the power of the software. End users are thus able to simply interact with a user interface without having to master the complex formulas and functions.

Another important advantage of using spreadsheet consultants is the fact that advanced training is expensive and time consuming. Simply learning the capabilities of the spreadsheet software is simply not enough. A high level of analytical skill is also required in order to translate the capabilities of the spreadsheet into real business solutions. A consultant can therefore design coherent systems rather than numerous small applications.

Choosing a consultant should be undertaken with some care. It is generally better to look for somebody that boasts high levels of skill in both the computing and business environments. Reputable professionals should be able to provide valid references and they must demonstrate that they will be able to provide the level of services that would be necessary to effectively implement spreadsheet solutions.

One of the very best ways in which to make sure that a business thrives is to make intelligent decisions in time. However, such decisions need to be based upon accurate information. A spreadsheet program that is used to its full potential can be an important tool with which such information can be generated and used in producing forecasts and a host of other potential business outcomes.

For the most proficient and expert Excel consulting San Francisco businesses certainly are lucky to be able to call upon the services of reputable firms and individuals. Spreadsheets are extremely valuable business tools and no organization can hope to thrive if it does not pay careful attention to record keeping and the bottom line. Some businesses admit that they find spreadsheets the single most versatile computing tool in their arsenals.

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You can visit the website www.msexcelsolutions.com for more helpful information about In The Field Of Excel Consulting San Francisco Professionals Are Rated Tops

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What You Need To Know About Cloud Hosting Chicago

By Helene Norris

Cloud hosting Chicago is now a fully established sector with many firms of all sizes and structures adapting to this new technology. Experts project that this trend will continue to develop and grow in the near future. While this service is beneficial for various firms, it is not without its drawbacks. This is especially true for smaller entities. If used properly, working with the data can vastly benefit all types of firms.

One particular advantage is enhanced efficiency when it comes to upgrades, usage and maintenance. Many small businesses find conventional software to be expensive. This is especially so for proprietary programs which need several licenses for multiple users. On the other hand, hosted systems can be sourced at much lower prices and can dramatically reduce IT expenditure in an entity. There are also many options which one can choose from. These range from pay as you go, one time and scalable.

This system also offers almost unlimited storage capacity. One doesnt have to worry about lack of space or increasing their current capacity. It also offers peace of mind when it comes to risks such as fire which could damage conventional computers.

Since all the data is stored in remote servers, it makes it easy to restore and backup when compared to physical devices. Most providers also possess the expertise to handle data recovery. This hence makes the entire procedure of recovery and backup simpler when compared with traditional information storage systems.

Integration of software is also done automatically. This means that you wont need to initiate any additional measures to integrate and customize your applications to suit your preferences. You can also customize your options with greater ease. A firm can thus choose the services and applications which complement their operations.

It is also easy to access the stored information. All that is required is a secure internet connection. This lets you move beyond geographical location issues and time zones. This can be very helpful for companies whose staff tends to travel a lot while on the job.

The system also offers the advantage of quick deployment. Once one opts for this method, the entire system can be fully activated in a matter of minutes. However, the amount of time needed to set up depends on the kind of technology that you use in your firm.

This technology also has its drawbacks which one must be aware of before they can opt to use it. One particularly significant risk is outages and technical problems. Practically all providers have to deal with such issues despite maintaining stellar operational standards. Connectivity and network problems could also pose issues when you want to access your data.

Remote storage of data could also make your company vulnerable to external attacks and threats. As it is well recognized, nothing on the internet is safe from these. Theres always a chance of sensitive data leaking to third parties.

Before adopting this technology, its important to know that your firms sensitive information will be surrendered to a third party. This could put your business at a higher risk. You must therefore choose the most reliable provider who will keep your data secured properly. Like anything else, cloud hosting Chicago has its advantages and drawbacks. While this technology could prove to be of great benefit to your business, it could also cause harm if misused.

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