December 16, 2024
Are you looking forward to the winter break
December 9, 2024
The Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 is “brain rot”, a term reflecting concerns about the negative effects of excessive digital consumption on mental well-being and intellectual capacity. With so much of our time spent online, it’s easy to see why this term resonates. Platforms filled with trivial content can entertain, but they might also distract us from more meaningful pursuits.
The shortlist of runner-ups adds further layers to this theme. Words like “slop” (low-quality, often AI-generated content) and “dynamic pricing” (highlighting economic shifts influenced by technology) show the power and pitfalls of a tech-driven world. Meanwhile, terms like “romantasy” and “lore” reflect how storytelling and creativity thrive in our digital spaces, blending genres and preserving traditions. Further, words like “demure” gained prominence through viral social media posts.
The selection of these words sparks questions about how technology shapes not only our language but also our daily lives. Are we losing something valuable in the process, or are we evolving into something new?
Write a paragraph or more reflecting on the following:
- What does the term “brain rot” mean to you? Do you feel like digital media has had a positive or negative impact on your mental well-being this year?
- How do runner-up words like “slop” and “lore” connect to your experience with technology in 2024?
- In your opinion, is it possible to balance meaningful engagement with technology while avoiding “brain rot”? If so, how?
Please be very “demure” and very mindful in your response. You can learn more about the the Oxford word of the year here.
December 2, 2024
Agenda
Journal Entry
1. Prompt:
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the way we live and work. This week, research one recent development in AI or another emerging technology (e.g., quantum computing, renewable energy tech, AR/VR, etc.). Summarize what you learned and share your thoughts on how it could impact society, your future career, or daily life.
2. Follow-Up Questions:
• What excites or concerns you about this technology?
• Can you think of an innovative way this technology could be used in your field of interest?
• What ethical considerations might need to be addressed as this technology evolves?
Tip:
Include the source of your research and make your response at least 5-7 sentences.
November 18, 2024
The holiday season is a time of celebration, which often revolves around food. From harvesting crops to transporting goods to local stores, technology plays a major role in getting our holiday meals onto our tables. Check out this video: Transforming the Food Industry with Technology.
Prompt: Reflect on how technology has changed the way we grow, distribute, and purchase food. In what ways does technology make food more affordable and accessible during the holiday season? Are there any negative effects of relying on technology for our food supply? Write a paragraph explaining your thoughts with examples.
November 12, 2024
Choose a current event that interests you or impacts your community.
- In a paragraph, briefly summarize the event and explain how it relates to any of the concepts we’ve been learning in class (e.g., problem-solving, technology, or data analysis).
- In a second paragraph, reflect on how advancements in computer science or technology could play a role in addressing this event or similar issues in the future.
November 4, 2024
In today’s digital world, sharing and publishing content online is more common than ever. Whether you’re contributing to a project, posting on social media, or submitting work for class, it’s important to think about the kinds of information you’re sharing and how it can be used.
Reflect on the following questions:
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Why is it important to protect your personal and sensitive information when publishing online?
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What steps can you take to ensure that the information you share on platforms like GitHub or social media remains secure?
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Have you ever shared something online that you later realized was too personal? How would you handle that differently now?
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How can you balance being open and collaborative in online spaces (like working with others on coding projects) while still protecting your privacy?
Write a paragraph or more considering these questions. Include examples of actions you can take to safeguard your own data, and reflect on why being cautious online is important for your personal and professional life.
October 28, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| October 28, 2024 | November 1, 2024 |
With the upcoming election, technology plays a huge role in various aspects, from voting machines to social media. How do you think computer science and technology impact the election process? Discuss one positive impact and one potential challenge or concern. Be sure to provide specific examples of how programming, security, or technology influences elections today.
October 21, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| October 21, 2024 | October 25, 2024 |
The Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries like healthcare, education, and business, but it also comes with challenges. In this journal entry, write about how AI has the potential to help improve our lives. Then, consider some ways in which AI could cause harm, especially in areas like privacy, jobs, and security. Be sure to support your thoughts with examples for both sides.
- Helpful: How does AI improve efficiency and innovation in industries like healthcare, education, or transportation?
- Harmful: What are some risks AI poses, such as job automation, bias in algorithms, or cybersecurity threats?
Write two paragraphs—one focusing on the benefits and one on the potential risks.
You can use the following resources to inform your response:
- How AI Works
- Why AI Matters
- Ethics & AI: Equal Access and Algorithmic Bias
- Ethics & AI: Privacy & the Future of Work
October 15, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2024 | October 18, 2024 |
Last week we looked at computer science jobs. This week we’ll look at applying computer science to jobs in any industry. I’d like you to consider why is learning to code valuable regardless of the industry you choose to work in?
Write a paragraph or more focused on the following:
- How can coding improve problem-solving skills?
- How might understanding code help you in industries that aren’t directly related to technology, such as healthcare, finance, or education?
- How does coding enhance creativity or collaboration?
Provide examples where coding knowledge might benefit professionals in various fields. Remember to use specific examples and reflect on how coding can impact your future career path, even if it’s not directly related to computer science.
You can use the following video to help inform your response: Computer Science is Changing Everything
October 7, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2024 | October 15, 2024 |
Research a job or career path in the field of computer science that interests you. In your journal entry, write a paragraph or more addressing the following:
- Job Title: What is the job or career path you researched?
- Job Description: What are the main responsibilities or tasks for this role?
- Skills Required: What programming languages, tools, or skills are important for this position?
- Education and Experience: What level of education or experience is typically needed for this role?
- Career Growth: What opportunities for growth or advancement are available in this career?
- Reflection: How does this job align with your interests and goals in computer science?
September 30, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2024 | October 4, 2024 |
Think about your daily routine and activities. Identify one task or process where computer science plays a role, either directly or indirectly. Write a paragraph describing how computer science is used and how it impacts your life. Consider things like apps you use, websites you visit, or even the technology behind devices you rely on. How would your day be different without this use of computer science?
September 23, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2024 | September 27, 2024 |
Periods 1, 5, 6, 7, & Practicum
In your digital GitHub journal, write a paragraph explaining why following instructions exactly as they are given is important when learning how to code?
In your response, consider the following:
- How does precision affect the outcome of a program?
- What can happen if steps or details are missed in coding?
- Why is it important to develop good habits of attention to detail early in your coding journey?
Remember to use Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (C.E.R.) to structure your response.
Periods 3 & 4
This week, we began learning Python programming. In your journal, write a paragraph comparing the experience of using Sphero block coding to writing Python code. Consider the following:
- Ease of Use: Which did you find easier to understand and why?
- Problem-Solving: How did the two approaches help you solve coding challenges?
- Flexibility: In which environment did you feel you had more control or creative freedom?
- Real-World Application: How do you think Python programming might be more useful or versatile compared to block coding in Sphero?
Be sure to give specific examples from your experiences with both platforms.
September 16, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
Write the following as your journal entry: This is a free week.
September 9, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| September 9, 2024 | September 13, 2024 |
Reflecting on Our GitHub Journal Process
As a class, we followed the instructions to set up our GitHub journals. However, only a small number of journals were set up in a way that I could access them. Let’s figure out together what went wrong and how we can improve the process.
- For Me: What could I have done differently in drafting or explaining the instructions? Were there any parts that were unclear or confusing?
- For You: Did you encounter any challenges while following the steps? If so, what were they? What do you think may have been missed or misunderstood?
Please share your thoughts, as we’ll use this feedback to make sure everyone’s journals are properly set up moving forward.
September 3, 2024
| Assigned | Due |
|---|---|
| September 3, 2024 | September 6, 2024 |
Periods 1, 3, 4, & 6 - Sphero BOLT
- List 3 sensors found on the Sphero BOLT
- Choose one of the sensors, and write a paragraph explaining how that sensor functions.
Note: In your paragraph, describe how the sensor you chose works and how it helps the Sphero BOLT operate. Does it measure light, speed, direction, or something else? Provide details about how the sensor gathers data and how the robot uses that information to move or react to its surroundings. Try to give an example of how this sensor might be used in a specific activity or challenge.
5th Period - Game Programming
Think about a video game that you enjoy playing. In a paragraph or more, describe the aspects of that game that make it enjoyable or successful.
Note: Consider elements like gameplay mechanics, graphics, storyline, music, and character design. Why do you think these aspects work well together, and how do they contribute to the overall experience of the game? Be as specific as possible in your analysis.
5th Period - App Development
Think about a mobile or web application that you use frequently. In a paragraph or more, describe the features of the app that make it useful or enjoyable to use.
Note: Consider elements such as the user interface (UI), design, ease of use, functionality, performance, and any unique features that set it apart. How do these aspects work together to provide a good user experience? Be specific in your analysis, and think about how these ideas could inform your own app development projects.
7th Period, Practicum, Independent Study and other Python Students
In a paragraph or more, reflect on your experience learning Python so far. What do you find most interesting or challenging about the language?
Note: Think about the basic concepts you’ve learned, such as variables, data types, or loops. How do you think these fundamentals will help you as you continue to learn more advanced programming concepts? Provide specific examples from your experience to explain your thoughts.
August 27, 2024
This is an example journal entry. There is no prompt this week.