Chiruguru, who recently was chosen as Louisiana's High School Teacher of the Year, teaches in Calcasieu Parish and serves on the board for the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators. He said his passion for computer science developed in 2012 after he received a grant that allowed him to purchase iPads, a TV and a laptop for his classroom.
Seeing how the devices made his students more engaged and gave them opportunities to tinker and explore, he wanted to do more to encourage their curiosity.
"At the time, there were no opportunities for students' independent learning," he said. By incorporating technology into his lessons, "they could come up with their own questions and search for the answers."
In 2022, Chiruguru received an International Society for Technology in Education certification, a highly regarded credential for educators who demonstrate a strong ability to incorporate technology into their lessons. The recognition inspired him to become an advocate for other teachers to embrace technology in their classrooms.
Since then, Chiruguru has helped lead Louisiana in its effort to modernize its computer science curriculum. He served on a task force that created the state's first computer-science learning standards for students in grades K-12, which the state board of education approved last month. The standards include topics that every student must learn, including about different computing systems and data analysis.
"We wanted to raise the bar for students to develop these digital literacy skills," he said, "so that they can be ready for the future."
We recently spoke with Chiruguru about why he thinks digital literacy is critical for today's students — and how schools can make sure students learn it.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why is it important to teach Louisiana students about computer science?
Computers are the future. We cannot just teach for today — we have to teach for tomorrow.
When we look at computer science education, that is one of the excellent pathways to lead students to a world-class education, and this is where we can break a lot of barriers and empower them with new skills.
Also, we are surrounded by so many chemical plants and factory industries in Louisiana. Our state needs highly digitally literate (job) candidates.
What are some of the biggest challenges schools face when preparing students to enter an increasingly digital workforce?
One of the [metrics] I use is the digital divide and how we're still struggling to close that.
The digital divide is the accessibility gap among different groups of students when it comes to having and being able to use technology. It could be due to socioeconomic factors, but whatever the reason, some groups of students may not be able to use certain technologies. We need to close this gap and provide an equitable education for every student.
In Louisiana, we now have our own computer science standards, but not every school is ready to embrace computer science education. It's going to take some time, and there needs to be support as far as finances are concerned. Not every school is fortunate enough to hire teachers to come in and implement these new initiatives.
What are some possible solutions to these challenges?
What the state has done is introduce the Computer Science Technology Assistance Grant, which helps districts purchase technology or software for students and pay for computer science teachers.
In Calcasieu, we have something called the Virtual Instruction Program. There are some courses that are not available at every school in the district, so qualified teachers are teaching from a central hub and students (in different schools) can access the classes (virtually). The students who are interested enroll and join the class with their computer from their school.
We're trying to push this program so that the courses are available for every student in the parish.
You're on the task force that helped develop the state's new computer science standards. Where do those stand now?
The standards were presented for public comment earlier this year and approved on Oct. 8. They can be viewed [on the state Department of Education website].
When I say computer science is a pathway to a world-class education, I mean an education where the digital divide is closed and every student, regardless of their background and socioeconomic status, is able to grow and develop valuable skills that open up future opportunities.
My philosophy with these standards is that they support our teachers and schools in preparing students for their career goals.
What's next for computer science in schools?
Schools will need to encourage students to be creative and innovative through technology, because that's where their ideas come to life.
They'll also need to encourage "growth mindsets." Learning to code, for example, requires a growth mindset because it involves a lot of trial and error — not only to find a solution for a problem, but to find the best solution.
When we have these wonderful things that come from a computer science education, any principal or any district can see what it has to offer students. I believe they're going to embrace it.
©2024 The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
