Join NCWIT Counselors for Computing (NCWITC4C) consultants at CYBER.ORG EdCon 24 in Orlando, Florida, on June 15th – 17th to discover how to effectively prepare students for cyber careers and expand access to cybersecurity education! This counselor-focused content track will share information about Cybersecurity CTE Courses, character education, and online safety in a series of sessions! Follow #NCWITontheroad and NCWITC4C on Linkedin and X, as well as NCWIT on Instagram and Facebook, for updates and reminders!
More information can be found online at cyber.org/EdCon, including the complete conference agenda. Find details about the upcoming sessions with NCWITC4C below! All times listed reflect the local time zone, Eastern Time.
June 15th | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
This year’s event is located at the entrance to Universal Orlando, on Major Boulevard. [View map]
Digital Citizenship & Student Safety
11 am – 11:50 am | Seminole D & E
For K-12 school counselors who are interested in empowering safe, responsible digital navigators
This session focuses on the critical themes of digital citizenship and student safety in an era where the digital landscape is constantly evolving — and so are the security risks. During this hour, NCWITC4C consultants will provide counselors with essential tools, strategies, and knowledge to guide students in navigating the digital world safely and responsibly.
Learning outcomes:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of digital citizenship and its importance in student safety.
- Align with American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards.
- Acquire practical strategies to teach + support students in being responsible digital citizens.
- Learn how to address and navigate challenging situations related to online safety and ethics.
- Get a resource kit to aid in implementing digital citizenship and safety initiatives in schools.
Future-Ready Foundations: Nurturing Early Curiosity & Safety
3:30 pm – 4:20 pm | Seminole C
For K-5th grade educators, school counselors, media specialists and those in student-advising roles
This workshop is designed specifically for elementary educators and focuses on integrating computer science and cybersecurity (CS) education into advising practices. In an era where technology is integral to every aspect of life, this workshop aims to provide the tools and strategies needed to guide young students in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. By focusing on age-appropriate resources and methods, counselors can play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for a strong understanding and interest in computer science and digital literacy from an early age.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the crucial role of CS & cybersecurity education in early childhood development.
- Utilize specific tools and resources to incorporate CS concepts into counseling.
- Advocate for and promote inclusive and diverse participation in CS from a young age.
- Apply real-world examples to enhance their counseling approach.
June 16th
Future-Ready Pathways: Lifting Up Computer Science Ed
9 am – 9:50 am | Seminole D & E
For 6-12th grade educators, school counselors, media specialists, and those in student-advising roles
This workshop highlights how educators can be pivotal guides in the digital era by helping students navigate the rapidly-evolving landscape of technology and computing. NCWITC4C representatives will introduce resources designed to help counselors and those who advise students to effectively integrate computer science education into their practices. These tools not only aid in building an understanding of the field, but also enable counselors to identify and nurture diverse talents, ensuring equitable access to computing education. By focusing on strategies that align with college and career readiness, educators can foster a generation of tech-savvy, innovative thinkers who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future workplace. Join us to amplify your impact as a school counselor and equip your students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a world where computing is at the heart of every industry and aspect of modern life.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the crucial role of school counselors in computer science education
- Access to available advising resources
- Enhance skills in promoting inclusion and diversity in computing education
- Integrate real-world examples and case studies in counseling practices
- Engage in problem-solving and innovative thinking
June 17th
Boosting CS: Partnering with School Counselors
9 am – 9:50 am | Seminole D & E
This workshop provides actionable plans and encourages CS teachers to embrace counselor collaborations for a diverse, thriving CS Program and for administrators to look to school counselors as allies in incorporating CS into the school community. Explore the transformative role of school counselors in shaping CS education. Dive into collaborative strategies, understand the impact counselors have, and share unique educator challenges.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the significance of involving school counselors in computer science and cybersecurity education efforts.
- Develop an actionable plan to collaborate with your school counselors to broaden and diversify your CS and cybersecurity class participation.
- Identify and address common barriers that prevent effective educator-counselor collaboration and diverse CS and cybersecurity course enrollment.
- Share and discuss successful strategies and practices for building and strengthening CS teacher-counselor partnerships.
Learn how to get involved with the NCWIT Counselors Computing Program and access free, research-backed resources online. You can also sign up for the C4C Newsletter, and direct questions to [email protected].
