BukSU Hosts Training for Ph Educators on Computer Science Fundamentals

Select educators across the Philippines participated in a national training on Computer Science Fundamentals (CSF) at Bukidnon State University (BukSU), the host academic institution, on August 19-21, 2024.

Facilitated by BukSU- College of Education (COE) through BukSU Project Managers: COE Dean Dr. Ann Sheila Del Rosario, and Dr. Iris April L. Ramirez together with the National Teachers College, Code.org and the Commission on Higher Education, the three-day national training program aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge in Computer Science Fundamentals as provided by Code.org®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the vision that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science as a core part of their K-12 education.

The participants were engaged to model lessons.

The first two days of the training focused more on CS Introduction workshop with Dominic Caguioa, CSF Co-Lead and Facilitator, who provided the fundamental vocabulary terms, lesson planning and preparation techniques used in computer science through a simulation of a fun method of learning. Participants underwent plugged activities which allowed them to learn things under the Code.org lessons and its featured CS Fundamentals curriculum, a virtual learning platform programmed for intended learners. Aside from the plugged activities were the unplugged activities, where the participants learned through small group table discussions and interaction with activity sheets handed by the lead facilitator.

While the planning of lessons and preparation happened during the first afternoon workshop, the second day of training was dedicated to a dry-run of the participants on lesson progression having their plugged and unplugged activities tested to the fellow participants as their target learners of the planned lessons. A tour at the BukSU Annex Casisang campus followed after.

Towards the last day of the training was the CSF Facilitator-In-Training workshop. The participants were tested in their teaching skills on how to engage their learners while giving utmost importance on diversity, equity, and inclusion integrating CS content to existing curriculum.

Here are the impressions of the trainees:

“These three days computer science fundamentals training, is highly enriching experience. The sessions were well-structured balancing critical knowledge and practical exercises. We really enjoyed exploring Code.org website. Overall, it was comprehensive and tailored to meet our needs. To BukSU, thank you very much for being very accommodating, very supportive even in online to help us to come up with the documents. We are also ‘busog’ (full) for the food.” – Ms. Clarita R. Tambong, Aklan State University

“This training is truly transformative for me. Before this program, my understanding with CS is limited. I felt intimidated and unsure where to begin. But with this program, it has opened my eyes. The training is well-structured and engaging. The learning is enjoyable and fun. The hands-on exercises helped solidify my critical thinking, it has accelerated my learning. The training has not only equipped me technical skills but instilled in me a growth mindset and believe in the power of collaboration. To BukSU, maraming maraming salamat po (Thank you very much). God bless.” – Mr. Shie-har D. Hadjirul, Sulu State College-

“At first, I am excited because the workshop will be held in Bukidnon.  I love the opening program prepared by BukSU because it showcased their cultural talents. The unplugged activities have a great interest in me. In reality, I felt outdated, but with my new learning here, my mathematics classes will be fun and students will no longer hate me. The training also helped me value on getting the potential setbacks. We thank Code.org for lessons and invaluable resources. Thank you BukSU, for the welcome, free tours, and delicious meals.” -Ms. Joana E. Reyes, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Dean Del Rosario closed the training with a remarked reminding the participants to bring the lessons learned to their respective institutions. (BukSU-Information Unit)