In this interview with Dan Schneider, we discuss how Dan transitioned from math education to CS education, designing spaces for educational experiences, suggestions for expanding and diversifying CS programs, how pedagogical approaches evolve over time through experimentation and reflection, the importance of listening to and working with kids one-on-one, and much more.

Click here for this episode’s show notes.

How to Get Started with Computer Science Education

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00:00 Intro

01:10 Dan introducing himself

02:33 What is circuit-bending?

03:54 How Dan got into CS education

06:13 Advice for teachers who are new-to-CS

09:39 What Dans classes looked like

12:08 How to approach mandatory vs elective classes

17:05 Teachers often have a negative self image

18:01 The importance of designing a physical learning environment

23:20 How to recruit students

27:03 How Dans teaching changed with remote learning

29:27 What informed Dan's approach to education?

35:34 Something that Dan no longer believes about education

38:26 The importance of listening to students

40:47 How Dan has iterated on his abilities as an educator

47:46 How Dan prevents burnout

52:30 What Dan wishes there was more research on

54:48 Suggestions for improving equity and inclusion in CS

57:28 A question for the field

01:00:10 How to connect with Dan

01:01:44 Outro