Plot Twists and Algorithms

Laurie Guyon's profile photo
Instructor: Laurie Guyon
Discover how picture books can become powerful gateways to teaching media literacy, digital fluency, and foundational computer science concepts. This course weaves together narrative structure, algorithmic thinking, and critical media analysis to create engaging, cross-curricular learning experiences. Spark students’ imaginations while building essential skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Walk away with practical strategies, book pairings, and ready-to-use classroom activities that bring complex concepts to life through storytelling.

Course information

For teachers
Duration: 12 hours
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning

The methodology

Teachers will learn in small groups of 2-5 colleagues, meeting once a week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1.5 hours and can be in-person or online.

Course syllabus

Session 1: Page to Pixel: Unpacking Media Literacy and Digital Fluency Through Picture Books

  • • Explore how the visual and narrative elements of picture books can be used to teach students to critically analyze media
  • • Navigate the digital world effectively including digital citizenship and digital wellness

Session 2: Storytelling with Algorithms: Connecting Narrative Structure and Computational Thinking

  • • Learn to identify patterns and sequences in picture book plots as algorithmic thinking
  • • Explore basic computer science concepts

Session 3: Beyond the Story: Fostering Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking with Picture Books and Tech

  • • Focus on practical strategies and activities
  • • Use picture books and technology to encourage student communication, teamwork, and analytical skills

Session 4: Plot Twists and Programming: Practical Integration of Picture Books and Foundational CS

  • • Create book pairings and classroom-ready activities
  • • Seamlessly blend narrative engagement with the teaching of foundational computer science concepts

Instructor

Laurie Guyon's profile photo

Laurie Guyon

Laurie Guyon is the Lead Coordinator for Instructional Technology Programs at WSWHE BOCES, a trainer and Capital Region Director for NYSCATE, and an adjunct professor at Manhattanville University, where she teaches methods of teaching computer science. She authored SMILE Learning: Leveraging the Power of Educational Technology, co-hosts the SMILE Factor podcast, and co-authored ArchiTech: Laying the Foundation for EdTech Coaching. Laurie has received multiple awards, including the 2023 SAANYS Leader in Digital Education Award, ISTE’s “20 to Watch,” Tech & Learning’s Best Overall Implementation of Technology (2022), and the Digital Citizenship Institute’s Global Impactor Award (2022). She was also named a CoSN NextGen Emerging EdTech Leader in 2020. A contributor to the NYSED Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards, Laurie leads statewide workshops and coaching cohorts. She is an ISTE Certified Educator and Trainer, Google Cloud Certified, Google Trainer and Innovator, and serves as an ambassador for numerous edtech platforms, including Common Sense, Seesaw, Nearpod, Lumio, Book Creator, Hapara, MagicSchool AI, and SchoolAI.

How it works

You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.

1

Join a circle

Organize your study group with colleagues. You'll have 3 days to "match," from January 2 to January 5.

2

Agree on a schedule

Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.

3

Join and collaborate

When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.

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