In developing Ignite My Future in School, DE and TCS chose to develop teacher resources based on computational thinking strategies (collect data, analyze data, find patterns, decompose problems, abstract, build models, develop algorithms) rather than another coding and computer science programs for middle school teachers and students. Ignite My Future in School's resources are unique because they are transdisciplinary meaning computational thinking (CT) is imbedded into lessons for Social Studies, English Language Arts, Music, Physical Education, Math and Science. Our objective was to show CT is a fundamental skill for everyone-not just for computer scientists-enhancing analytical ability among students across all subjects and disciplines. CT is a problem-solving process that equips learners with essential skills for deciphering real-world systems and solving complex problems.
Discovery Education led a team of curriculum experts who developed cutting edge resources for educators that included 40 lesson plans, curriculum connectors, family activities and eight e-learning modules for teachers on computational thinking strategies. To incorporate important career connections for students, DE produced career videos using TCS employees to share their past education and career stories. In addition to the digital resources on www.IgniteMyFutureInSchool.com, DE lead a team of education experts to deliver in-person professional development to teachers across the nation to strengthen teacher confidence with CT and provide support for in classroom implementation. To keep the connection going, teachers we meet across the country are welcomed to join the ranks of the IMFIS Learning Leaders – who gather virtually on a monthly basis to discuss computational thinking and how to infuse it into their classroom.
Ignite My Future in School is a first-of-its-kind, multi-million dollar initiative that leverages computational thinking strategies to provide teaching resources available for free at www.IgniteMyFutureInSchool.com which will serve as a catalyst to transform the way K-12 students learn across America. Recognizing the importance of computational thinking as a foundational skill, Ignite My Future in School has a goal of engaging 20,000 teachers and one million U.S. students by 2021. Since September of 2017, Discovery Education has been engaging with teachers via digital marketing campaigns to raise visibility and boost engagement with the IMFIS resources resulting in thousands of resource downloads correlating to an estimated student reach of more than 560,000. In addition to the teachers reached through the digital platform, DE provided in-person professional development on the IMFIS resources for hundreds of teachers across the country and will continue for four years.
