The SIGCSE 2024 and SITE 2024 conferences have emerged as pivotal platforms for educators, researchers, and practitioners to converge and share groundbreaking insights into the realms of computer science education and the integration of information technology in teacher education. Attending these conferences provided a remarkable opportunity to engage with the latest research, innovative teaching methods, and discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities in education technology today.

A Year of Contrasts and Interconnected Learning

The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in educational technology, showcasing the dynamic and often contrasting approaches to teaching and learning. At SIGCSE, the diversity of attendees and the emphasis on accessibility highlighted the importance of inclusive education. Similarly, SITE's keynote on "The Intertwingled Teacher" underscored the interconnectedness of teaching and learning, advocating for collaborative innovation in educational practices.

Accessibility in Block-Based Coding Languages

Andreas Stefik’s talk on accessibility for block-based coding languages was particularly enlightening. Stefik has been working on this issue for years, developing the Quorum programming language. Quorum is open-source, evidence-based coding platform designed to be accessible to everyone. This innovative solution addresses the challenge of making coding accessible to visually impaired learners. Quorum is “born accessible,” meaning its development began with accessibility in mind, instead of being considered later.

Reducing STEM Anxiety Through Tinkercad

Dr. Stuart White from Purdue University led an enlightening session on "Exploring pre-service elementary educator anxiety for facilitating integrated STEM modeling" at SITE. His research focuses on using Tinkercad, a 3D modeling software, to alleviate pre-service elementary educators' anxiety towards STEM modeling. The study's findings suggest that familiarity with technological tools like Tinkercad can significantly reduce anxiety and improve self-efficacy in teaching STEM subjects, thereby enhancing educators' confidence and competence in integrating STEM activities into their classrooms.

Valuable Insights from Paper Presentations

One of the first sessions I attended featured a paper by Neil Brown and Mark Guzdial, which delved into two distinct approaches to research: one involving a large dataset and the other focusing on a smaller, more in-depth collection of data. The authors discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, highlighting how smaller datasets can potentially yield more profound insights through interviews and closer examination of subjects. Brown and Guzdial argued that peer review should value both approaches equally, rather than favoring one over the other based on reviewers’ preferences.

Enhancing Doctoral Program Websites in Instructional Design and Technology

Another session delved into the "Content and Design of Doctoral Program Websites in Instructional Design and Technology," at SITE, offering valuable insights into how program websites serve as crucial information sources for prospective applicants. The review of five doctoral program websites revealed a need for more comprehensive program information and suggested enhancements for better navigation and inclusivity. This session highlighted the importance of effective website design in promoting educational technology programs and ensuring they are accessible and informative for all users.

Our Contribution to Accessibility in CS Education

I was immensely proud to help present a poster on our work with Dr. Maya Israel and Andrew Bennett, focusing on accessibility in computer science education within the context of VEX Robotics. The opportunity to showcase our research and contribute to the broader discourse on accessibility was truly gratifying.

Engaging in the Birds of a Feather Workshop

Another highlight of the conference was attending a Birds of a Feather workshop themed around elementary computer science education at SIGCSE 2024. These gatherings provided an excellent platform for like-minded individuals to engage in meaningful discussions and share their experiences. The conversations during this workshop were incredibly enlightening, reinforcing the notion that there are many passionate educators and researchers dedicated to expanding access to quality computer science instruction at the elementary level. It was heartening to connect with others who shared my commitment to this important cause.

The Power of Panels

Participating in the accessibility panel at SIGCSE 2024, moderated by Carina Box and alongside Andrew and Dr. Israel, was an incredible honor. Being in the presence of such talented and dedicated individuals, sharing our insights with an audience of esteemed professors and researchers in the field of computer science education, was an experience I will cherish forever.

Designing a Progression of Programming Environments to Support K-12 Learners

Our session at SITE 2024 focused on the critical transition stages in computer science education for K-12 students. The session, titled "Designing a Progression of Programming Environments to Support K-12 Learners as they Advance," presented the VEX Continuum—a carefully designed suite of programming environments that guide learners from the basics to advanced levels of computer science. This progression starts with tangible, hands-on experiences and advances through block-based to text-based programming, culminating in the use of professional integrated development environments. The VEX Continuum aims to smooth the transitions between different stages of learning, maintaining a coherent and supportive learning pathway for students. The presentation highlighted the thoughtful design of the VEX environments, emphasizing their role in scaffolding learners' development and ensuring a seamless educational journey across the K-12 spectrum.

Switch Mode: Bridging the Gap Between Block-based and Text-based Programming

We also had a workshop that contributed to the conference, "Switch Mode: A Tool for Transitioning Students from Block-based to Text-based Programming." This innovative session introduced a novel tool designed to facilitate a smooth transition for students moving from block-based to text-based programming environments. Switch Mode offers a unique hybrid approach, allowing students to integrate text-based instructions within a familiar block-based framework. Switch mode, which leverages VEX VR and virtual robotics, provides a scaffolded learning experience that bridges the gap between different programming paradigms.

The Power of Collaboration and Technology in Education

The conferences collectively illustrated the power of collaboration and technology in fostering effective educational environments. From SIGCSE's enriching poster sessions to SITE's workshops, the events underscored the significance of sharing knowledge and leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Conclusion: Looking Forward with Optimism

Reflecting on the experiences and insights gained from both SIGCSE and SITE 2024, it is evident that the journey towards advancing computer science education and integrating technology in teacher education is both challenging and rewarding. The discussions on accessibility, innovative teaching methods, and the importance of addressing educational anxieties are testament to the vibrant community of educators and researchers dedicated to improving educational outcomes. As we look towards the future, the lessons learned and connections forged at these conferences will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of education technology.