Cybersecurity Professional Development

Cybersecurity Professional Development

We are very excited to announce a new Professional Development course on CodeHS: Teaching Introduction to Cybersecurity which launches Monday, June 4th!

The CodeHS Introduction to Cybersecurity course is the first of its kind in the realm of online K-12 computer science courses! It is a first year computer science course that introduces students to the foundational ideas of cybersecurity. With the CodeHS online Professional Development course, we’ll train teachers at your school to teach an excellent Introduction to Cybersecurity course. No programming experience is required. Teachers will gain the skills, pedagogical knowledge, resources, and confidence to lead a great introductory computer science class with CodeHS.

One of the biggest challenges currently facing K-12 computer science education is a shortage of qualified computer science teachers. [6] Traditional professional development opportunities for computer science teachers are few and far between. CodeHS is already trusted by thousands of schools as a provider of curriculum and professional development. The goal of the Teaching Introduction to Cybersecurity Professional Development course is to continue to train a talented workforce of computer science educators through professional learning.

One of the biggest challenges currently facing K-12 computer science education is a shortage of qualified computer science teachers.

Quick Resources:

• Information Page: https://codehs.com/info/pd/cybersecurity
• Sign Up: https://codehs.com/learnmore

Why Teach Computer Science?

Great question! There are several reasons to teach K-12 computer science.

1. Almost every field today requires an understanding of computing. As Former President Obama noted in his Computer Science For All Weekly Address, “In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill — it’s a basic skill, right along with the three ‘Rs.’” [1]
2. A recent survey by Change the Equation (source data and analysis) asked students which classes they like the most, and computer science was the third most liked subject, after art and design and the performing arts. [2]
3. Learning computer science may improve learning in other subject areas! [3]
4. Not only do students want to learn computer science, but 90% of parents want computer science taught in their schools. Unfortunately, the majority of schools do not currently offer computer science. [4]
5. Learning computer science leads to rewarding career opportunities. According to NCWIT, “The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that computer science-related jobs will be among the fastest growing and highest paying over the next decade. Job prospects have remained strong despite economically challenging times. Computer scientists also enjoy a wide range of career options since all industry sectors today involve computing (e.g., the arts, film, finance, health care, journalism, manufacturing, music, security).” [5]
6. One of the biggest issues in expanding computer science education is a lack of computer science teachers. [6] When teachers choose to teach computer science, they are helping overcome the largest hurdle for K-12 students gaining opportunities to learn computer science.

“In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill — it’s a basic skill, right along with the three ‘Rs.’” — Former President Barack Obama

Why Cybersecurity?

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity exposes students to a variety of the most important and powerful topics in computer science today. Students will explore ideas around cyber ethics and hygiene, cryptography, security, ethical hacking, basic system administration, and networking fundamentals. Introduction to Cybersecurity gives students a foundational understanding of and appreciation for the digital security issues in their everyday lives.
2. The Introduction to Cybersecurity course is an accessible and engaging introduction. With scaffolding of concepts, rich explorations and discussions via offline activities, and hands on practice in areas like ethical hacking, the course encourages students to view themselves as protectors of digital data, and not just passive bystanders of our modern digital deluge. The course will instill confidence in students that will carry them into further endeavors in their lives or in the field of computing, if they so desire.
3. The curriculum is aligned with the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards. View the standards here and the curriculum alignment here. This course teaches students the computational practices and concepts that education and industry professionals agree should be taught in K-12.

What is in the Professional Development Course?

The course is offered entirely online and is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the basics of cybersecurity and related programming, increasing access and equity in computer science education, using the CodeHS platform effectively, and the pedagogy of teaching computer science in a blended classroom.

The CodeHS Professional Development course is:

• Web based. Teachers can take this course no matter where they live.
• Self paced. Teachers can take this course on their own time, during summer, school professional development days, or school holidays.
• High touch. Teachers receive personalized feedback and support from our PD team after completing each activity.
• Hands on. Teachers will get hours of practice with the student materials and creative strategies for teaching all aspects of the cybersecurity content.
• Never expires. Teachers will have access to course content at all times, and will have the option to revisit course materials during the school year.
• Open to all. There are no applications to fill out, and there are no prerequisites for taking this course.
• Made by the same team that created the CodeHS curriculum. The topics covered in the professional development course are directly aligned with what teachers will be teaching.

Here is an overview of the units in the Professional Development course:

Who is this Course For?

This professional development course is designed for passionate teachers who are interested in teaching computer science, but do not necessarily have a background in programming. No experience is required to take the professional development course.

The course can also be for people who are experienced programmers but have not taught in the classroom before. The focus on the pedagogy of teaching computer science and leveraging the blended classroom format makes the online professional development an extremely helpful experience for new teachers.

I’m Interested!

If you are interested in teaching computer science with CodeHS at your school, get in touch here: https://codehs.com/learnmore

If you have any other questions, please shoot us an email at hello@codehs.com to let us know!