Plot Twists and Algorithms
Use picture books to teach media literacy, digital fluency, and foundational computer science concepts through engaging, cross-curricular activities.
Instructor: Laurie Guyon
About the course
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.
Cómo funciona
Te unirás a un grupo de 2 a 5 colegas, y como grupo se reunirán 4 veces, de forma presencial u online, en el horario que ustedes acuerden.
1
Únete a un círculo
Organiza tu grupo de estudio con colegas durante el período de match.
2
Acuerda un horario
Decide el momento más conveniente para tus sesiones, online o en persona.
3
Únete y colabora
Cuando llegue la sesión, conéctate con tus colegas y completen las actividades juntos.
What's included
2 live tutoring sessions with expert
Personalized feedback per session
Access to Circles platform
WhatsApp support
Verifiable digital certificate
Weekly reports for leadership
Requirements
- Current teaching position or educational role
- Basic computer literacy and reliable internet access
- Willingness to engage in interactive group learning
- Openness to implementing new strategies in classroom practice
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
Conoce a la instructora
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.