2025 Hawaiʻi CS PD Summit

Are you curious about the Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC) but unsure where to start?  Discover how to empower yourself and your students with valuable HACC resources and the CSTA-sponsored Mini-HACC. We’ll simplify the process and share strategies to build confidence and collaboration in your classroom.

Elementary learners often struggle with abstract concepts like algorithms, sequencing, loops, and debugging, especially in under-resourced environments such as less computer science lessons. This session addresses these challenges by showcasing methods that make CS accessible, such as integrating Code.org’s sequencing activities and the Micro:bit project. The workshop will guide participants in developing interactive lessons aligned with the CSTA standards, emphasizing hands-on engagement, culturally responsive teaching practices, and accessible technology applications.

Generative AI, as championed by conversation chatbots like ChatGPT, has greatly impacted higher education for the past year or so. This presentation delves into the basics of Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, fine tuning, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and the impact of these technologies in the classroom. Participants with laptops can engage in hands-on activities, but this is optional. This presentation will provide the latest updates in the core features and usage of popular AI tools such as closed models such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, Claude from Anthropic, and Gemma from Google as well as open source models in Hugging Face such as Mistral and Llama from Meta.

Led by faculty from UH Mānoa, this workshop introduces educators to the concept of culturally-relevant computing, with a focus on the CSTA's core concept Data & Analysis. The workshop aims to promote instruction that values Computer Science (CS) outcomes while simultaneously valuing culture-based outcomes. Using hands-on activities, the wokshop will introduce a replayable simulation designed to create opportunities for learners to collect evidence, analyze data, and make claims. The workshop will be of value to anyone interested in broadening participation in STEM-related fields such as CS.

In this presentation, we will discuss the gaps and resources needed to cultivate artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in computer science (CS) education. We will outline educational principles and guidelines for teaching AI literacy in CS, focusing on age-appropriate practices. Additionally, we will explore methods and approaches for fostering AI literacy in K-12 CS education. Further, we will touch on the role of place-based learning in cultivating AI literacy, particularly in Hawaiʻi schools, and how culturally responsive practices can make AI education more relevant and meaningful in Hawaiian learning contexts. The audience will be able to elaborate reflect on the educational practices for sustainable and promising AI literacy teaching and learning in CS education in Hawaiʻi schools.

Today’s technological challenges shift almost day to day. Global competition for in-demand tech related careers is at an all-time high and will continue to increase as the world ideologies, environmental factors, and high-tech globalization hourishes. Students face challenging and life changing career decisions during formative years and once in secondary education, they are ready to begin mastering skills and earn credentials/certiTcations to enter the workforce and/or pursue higher education. Integrating rigorous STEM curricula, Esports, and academic curricula allows students to enjoy the beneTt of graduating college, career, and military ready. Discover how to maximize your STEM and IT Pathways while garnering support from all stakeholders – business and industry, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community at large.

Conference attendees will learn strategies to maximize STEM & IT Pathway participation and engage students in relevant, rigorous academic curricula in CS courses. Attendees will connect the relevance of emerging technologies and Esports to guide innovative curricula to help students successfully complete industry certiTcations and electronic portfolios. Participants will have an opportunity to gain knowledge of growing IT/STEM industries and compare available curricula that match their state's standards. Participants will have the opportunity to investigate the current markets trends and create programs with recognized industry certiTcations.