AK CS and Digital Literacy
Empowering K-12 educators with free, open-source content and
news in computer science, digital literacy, and artificial
intelligence.
Upcoming EventsThe Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) is offering free professional development workshops to help educators integrate Code.org's curriculum into their classrooms. All of the following virtual workshops are free and have no prerequisites unless otherwise noted. You can register for any of them here. Getting Started with Code.org K-5
CS Connections: Connecting Computer Science to Classroom Content
Digital Citizenship: Navigating the Digital World Safely and Responsibly
Micro:bit Makers: Code, Create, Connect
Teaching Apps with Devices: Computer Science Discoveries, Unit 6
Bringing AI to the Elementary Classroom with Code.org
News & OpportunitiesU.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Artificial IntelligenceThe U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in schools. This guidance includes a proposed supplemental priority for schools to consider. The public comment period for this proposal is open until August 20, 2025. You can read the full press release and access the guidance here The Presidential AI ChallengeThe Presidential AI Challenge is a national competition where K-12 students, educators, mentors, and community teams can solve real-world problems using AI-powered solutions, with the chance to showcase their projects on a national stage. The project submission deadline is January 20, 2026. Why It Matters:
The Congressional App ChallengeThe Congressional App Challenge encourages middle and high school students to learn to code and pursue careers in computer science. Hosted by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, each district-specific challenge invites students to create and submit original apps. Winning teams are publicly recognized by their U.S. Representative, and their winning app may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. The CAC's mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education. Registration for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is now open. The competition deadline is October 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET. Students can register and start coding their apps now. Spotlight on AlaskaAlaska Developer Alliance Hosts Inaugural Game Dev Expo in BethelThe Alaska Developer Alliance recently hosted its first-ever Game Development Expo in Bethel, inspiring local youth and showcasing the state's growing game development community. The event featured various games, from text-based adventures to virtual reality experiences, highlighting the creative and technical skills of Alaskan developers. The expo aimed to bring opportunities to rural areas, encouraging more Alaskan youth to explore computer science through game creation. Developers shared their passion and insights, demonstrating how coding and game design can connect to broader scientific and engineering principles. The event also emphasized the potential for cybersecurity workforce development within the state's tech community. Read more about this exciting event and hear from the developers and attendees at KYUK Schools interested in learning more about the AK Developers Alliance should email info@akdevalliance.com Curriculum CornerCMU CS Academy: Free Computer Science CurriculumCarnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science offers CMU CS Academy, a world-class, online, interactive high school and middle school computer science curriculum that is entirely free. Founded by SCS professors David Kosbie and Mark Stehlik, the initiative aims to provide high-quality computer science education access for all. CMU CS Academy provides full units for high school courses, including AP Computer Science Principles, an Hour of Code activity, and Interdisciplinary Programming. Its features include class management, auto-grading, and other tools designed to simplify implementation for educators. Day of AI CurriculumDeveloped by leading faculty and educators from MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education) and other partners, the Day of AI curriculum provides students with foundational knowledge for our rapidly changing world. It follows a spiral curriculum approach, as outlined in the UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Students, ensuring AI concepts are revisited with increasing complexity for a strong foundation. Materials and Resources:
✉️anthony.white@alaska.gov This newsletter is an initiative of the Division of Innovation & Education Excellence. We feature free, open-source resources. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive information on K-12 computer science and digital literacy.
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