Episode 12: Dr. Shenghua Zha's Grant Prepares Elementary Pre-service Teachers to Integrate Computing across the Curriculum

Dr. Shenghua Zha, an assistant professor of instructional design and development at the University of South Alabama, discusses her National Science Foundation grant "Preparing Elementary Pre-service Teachers to Integrate Computing across the Curriculum." This project is a collaboration between Zha and colleagues from the College of Engineering and College of Education and Professional Studies. The assumptions driving this grant are that computing is an interdisciplinary skill that is often not taught in an interdisciplinary manner, and one that is now significantly supported by state curriculum mandates. These project leaders are working together to deliver and evaluate training for early career teachers to integrate principles of computing into the teaching of English language arts, social studies, mathematics and science. This is accomplished through the use of developmentally appropriate interfaces that expose young learners to principles of computing from basic concepts to coding practices. The larger goal of the grant is to encourage teachers to continue integrating computing into their instruction across the elementary curriculum as they move into their careers.