Professional Development Through Micro-Credentials: Building Teacher Capacity to Integrate Computer Science in Rural Settings

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Fourteen
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Development (Table 11)

Abstract

Microcredentials are an emerging professional development strategy that allows PK-12 teachers to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skill in a particular topic through competency-based evidence, often for content that extends beyond their area of licensure or deeper into their area of teaching. This paper presents the rationale for and development of a stack of five asynchronous, online, self-paced microcredentials designed to support elementary teachers’ integration of computer science content and standards into core curriculum subjects. We emphasize the need for computer science instruction, particularly in rural school settings, and include descriptive findings from enrollment and completion data for the courses. We also include a snapshot of teacher perceptions of the microcredentials as a method of delivering high-quality professional development.

Authors

• Shanan L. Chappell, Old Dominion University
  Presenting Author

• Joanna K. Garner, Old Dominion University
  Presenting Author

• Joseph Arthur Brobst, Old Dominion University
  Presenting Author

• Keisha Tennessee, Virginia Department of Education
  Non-Presenting Author