Media Alert: Computer Science, Coding, And Education's Future In The Spotlight

MSDE Convening Experts To Discuss Importance Of Computer Science In The Classroom, Workforce

For Immediate Release                                                        Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486

Baltimore, MD (October 29, 2014)

Computer science and coding take center stage next week in “Maryland CSI: The Computer Science Initiative,” a unique Statewide event co-sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Two impressive panels of leaders in technology, business, and education will discuss the imperative of improved computer science instruction and point the way forward for Maryland public schools.  Both national and State leaders will address the efforts currently taking place in classroom and suggest ideas for further improvement, including educational technology and the use of computer coding as an instructional tool.

Using computer science and coding skills, students can now be creators of technology rather than simply users.  Some have called computer science the “study of problem solving,” an increasingly necessary skill across many content areas and in students' future.  In Maryland, job growth is estimated at a rate of 6 percent until 2022 and 22.5 percent of this growth will occur in professional, scientific, and technical services, which includes computer science.  Students need these skills to enter this area of the workforce, as well as to better understand the world in which they live—a world that thrives on technology.

WHO:  Panel 1:  Gloria Flach, President, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems; Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan, Chancellor, University System of Maryland; Dr. S. James Gates, University of Maryland Regents Professor of Physics; and Dr. Jan Cuny, Program Director, National Science Foundation.  Dr.  Lillian M. Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools, will moderate.

             Panel 2:  Jake Baskin, Outreach Director, Code.org; Dr. Marie desJardins, Computer Science Professor, UMBC; Dr. Kimberly Hill, Superintendent, Charles County Public Schools; and Dr. Virginia Pilato, Education Department Chair, University of Maryland-University College.  Dr. Maureen McMahon, Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Strategic Initiatives, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, will moderate.

WHAT:   Maryland CSI: The Computer Science Initiative

WHEN:    5:15 – 7:25 p.m.
                Monday, November 3

WHERE:  Annapolis High School Auditorium
                2700 Riva Road
                Annapolis, MD  21401

LIVE STREAM AT: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/10415590/events/3535280

EVENT TWITTER:   Join the discussion at #MDCSI 

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