Workshops on how to integrate AI into K-12 N.J. classrooms are now part of the Computer Science Coastal Hub at Stockton University’s SRI & ETTC, which was created three years ago with funding from the New Jersey Department of Education.
Earlier this year, the university received a $280,000 grant to continue to train teachers on the implementation of mandatory state computer science standards. The state has awarded more than $1.5 million to Stockton’s hub since 2022, and more than 800 teachers have taken part in free computer science workshops.
Several of the workshops this summer included topics such as data visualization, coding with drones and game design.
In addition to the free workshops, the hub also offers lesson plans for teachers, the opportunity to network and get ideas from peers and a free lending library offering tools for all ages, such as programmable robots, Chromebook tablets and books on coding.
“We use the grant money to make sure we remove as many of those barriers or stumbling blocks that teachers might encounter,” said Michelle Wendt, the AI workshop instructor. “We are trying to make sure that regular teachers, not just STEM-themed teachers, have the skills, resources and support to meet the computer science standards.”
Teaching computer science can be intimidating for many classroom teachers, many of whom didn’t receive any training in it when they went to school.
“We want to make sure everybody walks away with something that would make them feel more comfortable and more supported in bringing computer science to every student,” said Wendt.
