With the outbreak of COVID-19, the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing (Constellations) recognizes that many educators and parents are navigating the new "school day." We understand that teaching computer science or managing a household is already difficult, we have compiled various resources to help ease this transition as much as possible. We will continue to update this page with the latest information and new resources, so please continue to check back.
Whether you are a parent, teacher, or student, please do not forget to take care of YOURSELF during this difficult time. We admire your commitment to giving your students and children the best education possible, but remember that you cannot fill others cups if yours is empty. Constellations is here to support you and is cheering you on every step of the way!
Easing the Transition to Online Teaching
Read about how to quickly and easily transition to online teaching:
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Lessons learned from teaching an online course in Georgia Tech’s OMCSCS program - Ashok Goel, professor at Georgia Tech
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My Tips for Teaching Online - David Joyner, executive director of OMSCS and Online Education at Georgia Tech's College of Computing
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Teaching Effectively During Times of Disruption - Stanford University
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Coronavirus Has Led to a Rush of Online Teaching. Here’s Some Advice for Newly Remote Instructors - EdSurge
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Going Online in a Hurry: What to Do and Where to Start - The Chronicle of Higher Education
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Practical Advice for Instructors Faced with an Abrupt Move to Online Teaching - Inside Higher Education
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Guide to Remote Teaching Best Practices - the Microsoft TEALS Program
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A Teacher's 7 Tips for Remote Learning During the Coronavirus - eSchool News
Webinars and videos on online teaching:
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How to Start Online Learning! Remote Teaching Made Easy - Flipped Classroom Tutorial YouTube video
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Architecting Effective Virtual Classrooms - Modern Teacher (free until 5/31)
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How to Use Zoom for Remote or Online Learning - Flipped Classroom Tutorial YouTube video
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Boolean Girl Presents: Full STEM Ahead! (every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3-4 p.m.)
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How to Prepare for Online Teaching from EngagingStudents.com (pre-recorded, 35 minutes)
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Live-Streamed Lessons and Online Learning Lessons from Microsoft MakeCode (scheduled every weekday)
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How to Survive Your (Hurried) Switch to Online Delivery Using UDL from the Online Learning Consortium (scheduled for 3/26)
EarSketch
Created by Georgia Tech, EarSketch helps you learn coding through music. Use sounds from the EarSketch library or your own sounds, along with Python or JavaScript code, to produce studio quality music.
Code.org
Code.org launched Code Break, a live weekly webcast for students K-12. They also have a set of self-guided activities, plus many other resources for students, teachers, and parents. Code.org is always free.
CodeHS
Constellations frequently uses CodeHS in our classrooms. The platform has courses on many topics (that are always free) for grades 6-12. Pro features are available for free until the end of June.
CodeSpark Academy
Codespark Academy is making their professional development program free for all teachers around the world. Students can now also use codeSpark Academy for free. Perfect resource for kids 5-9 to learn how to code.
Tynker
Tynker offers coding courses for students K-12 that teaches them to build games, make websites, create apps, and more. The courses are free throughout the closure period.
Edhesive
Professional development from Edhesive is great for introductory computer science and AP courses (grades 6-12.) They are also offering free online professional development courses from Amazon's Future Engineers through August.
WeTeach_CS
WeTeach_CS educates, empowers, and inspires K-12 CS teachers, administrators, professional development providers, and university instructors to realize the vision of computer science for all. The team is providing 200+ CS concept-focused videos for teachers grades 10-12 AND all of their AP CS A curriculum for free through June.
BrainPOP
BrainPOP is a great resource for students grades 3-12 with videos and lessons about 3D printing, Alan Turing, digital animation, computational thinking, and more. They also have BrainPOP Jr. for students grade K-3. Both versions are free throughout the closure period.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy includes a home study schedule, a guide for remote learning, and CS courses and activities for students grades 6-12. Bonus: they're always free!
Canva for Education
Canva provides all the tools educators and students need to create beautiful presentations, posters, worksheets, fact sheets, and more. Learn more about their tools for remote learning and general education resources. They're all free!
Coding Glossary for Kids
This glossary is a great place to get started when learning terms used in computing. Use them to make flash cards, games, or just to get the basic lingo of computing.
Chegg Study
Chegg Study offers detailed resources focused on subject concepts, topics, and core compentencies for courses like computer science, physics, statistics, economics, chemistry, and accounting.
Additional Resources for Families
Meal Distribution for Atlanta Public Schools Students
Check here for the most up to date information on meal and grocery distribution from Atlanta Public Schools, their partners, and other organizations.
Dealing with Stress and Anxiety
For many of us, shifting to working, teaching, or learning online has been an abrupt shift and with that often comes anxiety and stress. Here are a few resources to help yourself and others cope and feel supported during difficult times.
- Helping kids increase their sense of self-control during chaotic times - The Washington Post
- Coping with Stress - Centers for Disease and Control Prevention
- 13 Ways to Prevent and Relieve Stress - WebMD
- Strategies to Help Anxious Children - Psycom
- Yale's 'happiness' course - CNN
- The College Student's Guide to Stress Management - Purdue University
AP Testing
As spring is a vital time for AP testing, the College Board has been posting updates and is developing resources to help support teachers navigating planning for testing.
- Read the latest information: Advanced Placement (AP) testing update.
- Check out their free live review sessions for students.
Prevention Measures
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Don't forget the thumbs!
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
