Did you know that Computer Science isn’t a required course in most Maryland High Schools (or colleges for that matter)? For most students, a lack of exposure early on translates to total avoidance once they reach college. For a subject as ubiquitous as computing, it is essential to Maryland's continued success as a technology leader that we make a commitment to improve access to and quality of the computing curriculum across the state.

That’s why the folks behind Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21) aim to do something about it. One way is through their upcoming Computer Science Education Mini-Summit, to be held August 8, 2012 throughout the Information Technology/Engineering (ITE) Building on UMBC’s main campus.

The free mini-summit invites high school teachers, college professors, and anyone else interested in expanding Computer Science offerings in Maryland high and middle schools to attend. “We hope to explore what is currently being done to increase student interest in computer science and what can be done in the future,” explains the website.

Summit attendees can expect to do the following:

1. Learn more about computer science high school education across the state of Maryland;
2. Network with others with an interest in computer science education;
3. Exchange strategies with other education professionals; and
4. Plan with others to help expand student interest and to increase the number and diversity of students studying computer science in Maryland.

Take a look at the summit schedule:

Take a look at the latest infographic from Edudemic.com. (Click here for a version that you can actually read.)

It's called "Components of a 21st Century Classroom" and it looks at how technology, like computers, tablets, and other mobile devices, are being increasingly incorporated into the classroom.

With number like "1 in 5 students have used a mobile app to keep their coursework organized" and "Almost a third of all college students take at least one online course", it appears that the trend toward supplementing teaching with tech devices, social media, and computer programs will only gain steam as time goes on.

What do you think about the role of technology in the classroom? Are mobile devices a distraction, or an asset? What type of technology is used most in your classes?

Walt Fuller has been named assistant men’s basketball coach at UMBC, head coach Randy Monroe announced.

The veteran mentor just completed his 25th year in the coaching business, completing a two-year stint at UAB in 2011-12. He joined the UAB staff from La Salle University, where he spent the previous five seasons as the associate head coach.

“Walt is one of the most successful people I know in the profession,” Monroe said. “He has been an integral part of building programs from America East to Conference USA to the ACC. He knows how to relate to young people and get the best out of them.”

Fuller will join colleagues Aki Thomas and Jay Greene on the Retriever bench in 2012-13.

For more information on this story please visit the website below. 

John 20:19-23 (NIV)
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Reflection:

The disciples were gathered together behind bolted doors in fear. They were certain that sooner or later the vengeful enemies of Jesus would come and seek them out. But in their peril, Jesus supernaturally comes to them and stands right “among them.” This was no peripheral visit, but an assurance that He would be with them forever. And His first word, “Peace be with you”, was far more than a familiar greeting. This peace was the fruit of the salvation He had just won on the Cross. And in this victory, Jesus commissions the disciples to be sent out to continue the mission that the Father gave to the Son.
Jesus breathes upon them the Holy Spirit. And through this, He now shares His intimacy with the Father with His disciples that they may be a new humanity, recreated and empowered for the mission. They have been given the authority to continue Christ’s work, furthering His ministry of forgiveness to all.

Responding to the Transmission:

Like the disciples, we too have been commissioned to continue the mission that Christ began. As the Father sent His Son, the Son now sends us as His followers. Let’s spend time in prayer thanking God for being part of this wonderful lineage and then asking for the Spirit’s empowering to fully live this out.