UCLA Center X: Computational Thinking
The Request:
UCLA Center X, part of the School of Education and Information Studies, requested six videos showcasing the progress they made with their Stem + C3 graduate degree program. A core part of the program is bringing the concepts of computational thinking into the classroom.
They wanted the videos to:
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Outline the grant scope and what had been accomplished
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Spread awareness about Computational Thinking (CT)
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Show what CT looks like in the classroom
The Approach:
We devised a plan to create six videos that would accurately represent the request. We coordinated shoot days that included interviews and filming at UCLA. We applied and received a permit to film graduate students teaching in their classrooms at nearby LA Unified schools.
One Video Covering:
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What CT is
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Why CT Matters
Two Videos Covering:
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Grant goals
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Evaluation results
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Tools developed
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Community of Practice
Three Videos Covering:
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What CT looks like in the classroom
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Different teacher-residents, graduates, or associates from the program
“You were very purposeful in making sure that we had input and voice. From the scripts to viewing the videos before they were finished, we were part of the process and the decision making. And that speaks volumes."
Dr. Imelda Nava-Landeros, UCLA TEP Faculty Advisor
The Result:
We delivered the six promised videos to UCLA Center X. The videos now have a home on the UCLA STEM + CS website.
Center X uses these videos in information sessions with potential students and in formal presentations. A recent presentation to the American Educational Research Association (AERA) featured videos from this project. Completing these videos also fulfilled the requirements of their grant.
Finding success with this initial project, we have become a steady partner, producing videos for many teacher education programs at UCLA.
UCLA - Case Study
UCLA STEM C3
UCLA STEM C3
Computational Thinking | UCLA STEM C3
Olivia | UCLA Computational Thinking in The Classroom
Additional UCLA Projects
Cultivating Excellence
+ Recruitment
UCLA's Middle School focused teacher education program. These teacher-residents participate in residencies at local LAUSD Middle Schools. We've created six videos for this program.
AutoEthnography
UCLA Center X uses an autoethnography project to replace a master's thesis. It focuses on using personal experiences and cultural understanding to inform teaching. We created a documentary-style video for this graduate-level project.
Computer Science Supplementary Authorization
UCLA's Computer Science Supplementary Authorization courses instruct teachers on how to implement computer science into their classrooms.
We created an advertisement-style video for this program.
CalTeach
CalTeach provides teacher-residents with opportunities to student teach at local K-12 schools while getting their credential.
We created an advertisement-style video for this program.
