Credentialing Computation: Teacher Micro-Credentials in Computational Thinking

• In Event: Teacher Development of Computational Thinking and Computer Science

Abstract

This paper proposal details the development and implementation of educator micro-credentials (MCs) in computational thinking (CT). The national non-profit Digital Promise developed such MCs in CT in 2016, recognizing the need for current teachers to not only integrate CT and introductory computer science (CS) into the school day but also have the capacity to demonstrate their students’ understanding of the subject’s core competencies. The proposal is divided into four sections. Part I introduces the development of the educator micro-credentials; part II details the methodology for implementing them; part III reports on select MC submissions, and part IV concludes by looking ahead to the future of MCs as a means for educators to demonstrate instructional mastery in the area of CT.

Authors

• Quinn Burke, Digital Promise

• Colin Angevine, Digital Promise

• Christopher Proctor, University at Buffalo - SUNY