New Tech Kids | computational thinking

11 Jul 2018

Summer School: chance for kids to discover CS

While many North Americans are familiar with the concept of 'summer school' for primary school students, it's a foreign concept for many Europeans. For many European, summer means no school: only vacation, relaxation, time with family, and recreational activities for children. We're not arguing for or against summer school. Different strokes for different folks. But we'd like to present it in the context of continuous learning and the computer science summer school programs we'll be

9 Jul 2018

NewTechKids workshops during EF Tours Global Summit Tour

By NewTechKids

Today in Amsterdam, NewTechKids taught computer science workshops to high school students from across the U.S. The students are in Amsterdam as part of EF Tours' Global Summit Tour, an event during which students are immersed in the topic ' The Influence of Technology on Society'. We chose the theme of automation as a way to explore ways in which technology is transforming the way we live, work and interact with each other and the

8 Jun 2018

NewTechKids and American School of The Hague co-developing new CS curriculum

By NewTechKids

NewTechKids is pleased to announce that we are continuing our collaboration with the American School of The Hague (ASH) to introduce computer science into the School's curriculum. During Fall 2018, we will be working closely with the School's primary education staff (IT Coordinator, Technology Integrationist and several classroom teachers) to develop a general framework for computer science education. This includes identifying important concepts to be taught, determining the order and learning format in which these

3 Apr 2018

New Advanced LEGO Mindstorms Bootcamp

By NewTechKids

LEGO Mindstorms is one of our favourite tools for teaching children ages seven to 12. It is a tangible tool which provides children with a realistic experience of designing, building and programming technology. It also teaches children that hardware and software influence each other and need to work together in order to develop successful technology prototypes. Many of our students say that they first realised the power and fun of computer science after they built their

14 Feb 2018

New online teacher training platform launched

By NewTechKids

NewTechKids is proud to announce that our non-profit arm, Stichting NewTechKids (NewTechKids Foundation), has launched a new online teacher training platform for primary school teachers around the world who want to introduce computer science, technological literacy and computational thinking to students ages 4-12. Share to Teach, the online platform, has been developed by Stichting NewTechKids' team of computer science education specialists, teachers and innovation experts especially for teachers. The platform offers a variety of online training

13 Feb 2018

Reflections on IPON 2018

By NewTechKids

Last week, I had the privilege of giving one of the keynote talks at IPON 2018. IPON is the Netherlands’ leading conference/trade show devoted to innovation in education and ICT applications and services. The event showcases teaching methods, learning materials and tools, hardware and software. During my talk, I renewed my call for computer science to become a mandatory subject, starting in primary school and continuing through secondary school. Here are some of my thoughts

9 Feb 2018

Tips for Raising Successful Technologists: Practice Thinking and Creativity Skills

By NewTechKids

Computer science is all around us through our use of technology: systems, devices, software, etc. Unfortunately, we often take technology for granted and don't think about it until it doesn't work or it causes serious headaches. NewTechKids has compiled these three tips to help parents encourage their children to become more aware of the technology around them to think like technologists in creative ways. By discussing technology on a daily basis, parents can start helping

13 Jan 2018

Gearing Up for Primary School Teacher Training Program

By NewTechKids

NewTechKids is proud to be supporting our non-profit counterpart, Stichting NewTechKids, to kick off a teacher training program which begins on Wednesday, January 17th. Twenty-five teachers from Dutch and international primary schools in the Netherlands have been carefully vetted and selected to participate in this program aimed at helping schools introduce computer science, technological literacy and computational thinking to their students. Designed for teachers who have never taught technology or coding-related classes before, this training

13 Jan 2018

Tips for Raising Successful Technologists: evaluating schools

By NewTechKids

Primary schools are playing an increasingly important role in providing students with computer science and technological literacy education and computational thinking skills as part of a solid 21st century skills and education strategy. NewTechKids has been visiting a variety of primary schools in the Netherlands and interviewing principals and teachers in advance of our latest teacher training program which begins on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Here are some tips for parents which will help you

6 Dec 2017

NewTechKids Talk at IPON 2018

By NewTechKids

Deborah Carter, NewTechKids’ Co-founder, will give one of the keynote talks at IPON 2018 on February 7th. IPON is the Netherlands’ leading conference/trade show devoted to innovation in education and ICT applications and services. The event showcases teaching methods, learning materials and tools, hardware and software. In 2015, Deborah gave a widely-acclaimed TED talk about the importance of introducing computer science and technology education as mandatory subjects, beginning in primary school. At the time, a documentary