MNCodes Summit [Recap]
Image credit: @WashingtonTech
We welcomed over 215 K-12 computer science educators for the 2019 MNCodes Summit in May. It was an inspiring and collaborative day of hands-on learning and networking, all planned and orchestrated by a team of 35 volunteers. Truly an event created by educators, for educators!
The Summit started with an energizing keynote by Joseph Adamji and Shiranthi Goonathilaka of the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center. The day included over 30 interactive break-out sessions led by local educators, which focused on a variety of topics, ranging from equity in computer science to physical computing to connections with specific age levels and content areas. We sincerely appreciate the support from all of our partners and sponsors!
When asked about their top reasons for attending the MNCodes Summit, attendees cited the networking with other educators and gathering of new ideas and resources that they could take back and use right away. Others said:
- I just really thought this event was a highlight of all tech events I’ve gone to this year – so well organized, engaged, knowledgeable speakers, and just really awesome sessions/content. Well done!
- It was a great summit! Super food, great company, fun networking, lots of cool CS! Energized
- What a treat this day was! Thank you to every volunteer who made it such a wonderful day!
We are already looking forward to next year’s 5th Annual MNCodes Summit and are excited about the continued growth and interest in computer science education. It is our hope that by connecting with and training a growing network of Minnesota educators in computer science, we can help to expand computer science learning opportunities for all students in our state.

We were also honored to be a part of the CSforAll MN – May Convening event centered around creating and nurturing pathways and partnerships to drive state-level computer science (CS) education. We heard from Anne Leftwich, Associate Professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University at Bloomington, and gained insight from her experience doing this work. We also heard from a variety of educators and CS industry leaders about what is currently happening with CS in Minnesota during lightning talks, and then met in smaller groups to plan for our future CSforAll MN vision. It was an energizing event that has helped to create further momentum toward expanding CS education in our state! To learn more, take a look at this blog post about the CSforAll MN May Convening. |