Should Computer Science be part of the K-12 core curriculum?

In our opinion, Computer Science Should be part of the curriculum. And thankfully, more and more schools think the same and are adopting it. 

Why? Computer technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. In the current day and age, in Tech savvy affluent families in US and other Western countries, a child learns to  use an iPad or tablet even before they can walk. 

However, using a Tablet only teaches you how it behaves and how it can be used as a tablet. We believe It’s important for kids to learn the inside of such tools - how these tools really work. If added to the core curriculum at a young age, not only will it enhance logical thinking, but will also raise kids with the knowledge of the “how” and “why” behind what they are using. 

Amazon To Buy Web-based Math Education Company TenMarks

Amazon Inc. announced that it will acquire TenMarks in a deal that is expected to be finalized in this year’s fourth quarter. TenMarks delivers innovative curriculum for mathematics to students all over the country.

According to Dave Limp, Vice President of Amazon Kindle, both Amazon and TenMarks value student learning highly. Together, the two companies will be creating rich educational content and applications across multiple platforms including web, smart phones and kindle devices that teachers, parents and students will enjoy.

Rohit Agarwal, co-founder of TenMarks, adds that both companies are committed to the development of practical solutions for families and schools. TenMarks offers teachers, students and parents access to resources which includes progressive professional development and communication tools with parents. Agarwal believes that Amazon and TenMarks will develop “significant innovations in the K-12 arena.”

TenMarks claims that it offers personalized online mathematics instruction and practice in a format that is clear and manageable for K-12 students. The program also includes hints and videos, along with real-time results. TenMarks has specially focused heir product design to aid students be individually motivated, engaged and nurtured.

"Educational apps are becoming more main stream in K-12 education," says Aarti Chandna, CEO of Foundze, inc. a leading site for Educational apps.  "Effectiveness of an app used in the classroom, is dependent not only on the ease of use but also how well it captures a student’s attention and engages them during a learning process. From a teacher’s perspective, the app should simplify and personalize assignments based on student ability and automate grading. The acquisition of Ten Marks by Amazon further validates that teaching is moving away from the traditional method, as bigger players are showing mote interest in acquiring Educational apps."

Terms of Amazon’s acquisition of TenMarks were not disclosed and are subject to various closing conditions.

Free Educational Conference on Educational Technology for Schools in Silicon Valley

EdSurge is organizing "Tech for Schools Summit: Silicon Valley" on November 2nd to  bring together thought leaders in educational technologies and teachers like you to find "solutions that matter". It will be a lovely day of networking, refreshments and even a few door prizes. The Event will held at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Attendance is free, pre-registration is required. 

This will be an opportunity for educatiors and entrepreneurs building educational technology to meet with each other,  talk, try out new educational technology and get/five feedback. 

the agenda includes a mid day panel on implementing blended learning from national experts Brian Greenberg, Michael Horn and and Evening reception with Lynda Weinman, founder of Lynda.org, to talk about being a life-long learner. 

WHEN: Saturday, Nov 2, 9:00 am through about 7:00 pm 

WHERE: Computer History Museum, 1401 N Shoreline Blvd  Mountain View, CA 94043

FOOD: Yes, for Free, includes an evening reception!
REGISTRATION: Free, click here to RSVP