35: Robotics and Physical Computing with Brenda Bass | #CSK8 Podcast with Jared O'Leary
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In this interview with Brenda Bass, we discuss advice for educators interested in getting started with robotics or physical computing, considering equity and access with robots and physical computing devices, how to learn more about robotics and CS without a background in either area, and much more.
Guest Bio
Brenda Bass has over 30 years of teaching experience, most recently as the Science/STEAM Lab Teacher for Fort Bend School District in Sugar Land, Texas where she taught K-5 coding, STEAM challenges and physical computing to help support science standards. She was also the coding/robotics sponsor. Prior to the Science/STEAM Lab, she was a Digital Learning Specialist supporting multiple campuses with technology integration, facilitating Professional Development as well as supporting coding/robotics clubs. At the District level, she provided support for district-wide initiatives such as STEM/LOGO Institute, Scratch Day, training coding/robotic sponsors and Film Festival.
Before moving to Fort Bend, Brenda taught in Frenship and Lubbock School Districts. She taught 6-8 grade Multimedia and Web Design where she incorporated Project Based Learning. Brenda assisted with BEST Robotics Team. She was a Curriculum Technologist Specialist as well as a Computer Technologist. She was a student sponsor for TCEA Robotics Contests where students placed 2nd in 2006 and 2nd and 3rd in 2007 at the Regional Technology Fair.
Brenda has presented on technology integration in the classroom at TCEA and ISTE. She was a part of the We Teach CS Collaborative Grant where she received over 60 hours of Computer Science Training.
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Each episode of the #CSK8 Podcast explores research, experiences, or perspectives on computer science education through interviews with computer science educators, scholars, and administrators, as well as episodes that summarize and unpack implications of research for classroom teachers who are interested in learning more about practical applications of research in their classroom.
#cseducation #computerscience #computerscienceducation #JaredOLeary #CSedWeek #CS4All #CSforALL #computersciencePD #elementaryCS
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00:00 Intro
00:45 An introduction by Brenda
01:30 Lessons learned through Brenda's journey in CS education
06:01 A story related to education that continues to impact Brenda
07:25 What Brenda wished she knew when she first started teaching coding
08:09 Something that Brenda excels at in education
10:11 How Brenda developed expertise in coding
13:53 What more educators should understand about getting into robotics and physical computing
15:07 What an ideal program would look like
16:38 How to create an equitable robotics team
18:14 How to get started with a robotics program
19:55 Recommendations for starting a CS program
20:39 How Brenda iterates on her own abilities as an educator
21:15 How Brenda tries to prevent burnout
22:44 Thoughts on CS certification
23:32 What Brenda wishes there was more research on
24:50 What's the one device I would recommend a district purchase?
26:54 How this podcast could better serve the community
27:31 How to connect with Brenda
27:44 Outro