Sheboygan Computer Science

Students at Sheboygan North or Sheboygan South High School programmed all the games/applications below. To play a game, click on the image! To create the projects, students used web development languages (HTML, CSS, JS), Code.org's game lab (JS), or Unity (C#).

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Computer Science courses at Sheboygan

In class, you'll learn how to program. Programming is a great way to improve problem-solving and logical reasoning. Programming also involves a lot of creativity and creation. Students spend a large chunk of each class creating a project of their choosing.

Intro to Computer Science

Students begin the course by engaging with applications and games made by past students using code.org's free online framework. For the next ~4-5 weeks, students learn the basics of coding: variables, conditionals, looping, and functions. After students are familiar with the basics, they brainstorm a coding project they'd like to do and spend the next ~6-7 weeks bringing their project to life.

Programming Intro

Programming Intro is similar to Intro to Computer Science (students learn variables, conditionals, looping, and functions) but adds a few additional coding concepts: arrays, HTML events, and more advanced looping. Think Intro to Computer Science with a touch more rigor. We no longer use code.org's beginner-friendly framework, so students begin making personal projects from scratch with Javascript and HTML.

Advanced Computer Science and Game Development

Students who have taken Programming Intro can take Advanced Computer Science and Game Development. Students use the Unity game engine to start creating their own game. The class begins with students learning concepts essential for Unity Programming, namely, object-oriented programming (C# language). Students spend most of class time working on a game they created in Unity.

Web Development

Students create personal websites using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Web development is very complementary to the programming intro course. Students in web development spend most of their time working on the visual part of creating a personal website; students in programming intro devote most of their time to the functional parts. Taken together, students can make something pretty cool!

Goals

The most critical first step in being effective in my role as a classroom teacher is to ask, "What's the point of my class?" When I reflect on whether students are doing "well," I need to know what "well" means. After I've cemented these goals, I can focus best on how to structure my class to achieve these goals.

Students leave the class having created a project they are proud of that displays knowledge of a content area.
Students feel more confident and interested in learning new things.
Students become better learners. We focus on the following skills of effective learners: finding resources, making connections, self-reflection, and resilience.
Do all of the above in a comfortable and fun environment.

Implementation: Student-Driven Learning

What is Student-Driven Learning

Student-driven learning is a shift from conventional, teacher-centric education (teacher choosing all topics, projects, resources, lecture heavy, etc.) to an approach that gives more of those decisions to the student.

How Student Driven Learning helps achieve class goals

Student-driven learning empowers students to take responsibility for their education. When students set learning goals, manage their time, and find their own learning resources, they develop valuable skills. Student-driven learning naturally shifts students from relying on step-by-step instruction to becoming independent learners and thinkers.
When students have a say in their learning process, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
Student-driven learning encourages students to be creative and create something culturally relevant to them, providing a fantastic personalized learning experience. Since it is impossible to find a project that every student will find relevant and be proud to create, why not let them choose their own?
Student-driven learning emphasizes feedback and reflection, allowing students to monitor their progress and improve. For example, if a student is struggling to find an answer to their problem, I can show them how I would find the answer, and then we will do it together. Then, the student can adjust their learning process based on this example.

Drew Phillips

After graduating from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, I spent three years working as a software dev for SAP. I am thankful for my time there and coworkers, but eventually, I became disillusioned with the company's product and bored in my cubicle — days dragged on. I enjoyed helping the interns start their projects, and whenever a coworker emailed me with a new, particularly tricky problem, I was engrossed. Where could I help people start their projects, solve new and tricky problems, and have a greater sense of community? Teaching, of course! I applied to various schools in the spring of 2020 and started my first-semester teaching in the fall of 2020. I've enjoyed working with people and the newfound freedom to visit friends/family and explore new hobbies in the summers. :)

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He's awesome with no flaws. King.

- South HS Student

“

10/10 teacher. Would take again.

- North HS Student

“

I really like your teaching style.

- North HS Student

SASD Computer Science

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Computer Science courses at Sheboygan

Goals

Implementation: Student-Driven Learning