tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91888163604285443632024-02-02T02:26:31.127-06:00Computer Science AssociatesJohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-32930145232246855152016-02-05T11:40:00.001-06:002016-02-05T11:40:46.941-06:00We're taking a break ...<p>CSA is in stasis as the next phase of Computer Science Associates will be determined in the not-too distant future by: <br/>
1) those individual computer science enthusiasts who want to meet and mingle with CSE faculty, researchers, students, staff and other enthusiasts.<br/>
2) the department administration's review of the 'social' needs and wants of the department, the college, and alumni.
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In short, if 'you' want to support and help define a place and purpose for CSE alumni, friends, fans and all those associated with the CSE department, then let the the CSE powers know. Call or email them! It's pretty simple.
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The new Industry Associates Council (IAC) was formed and is off to a great start. CSA is proud and delighted to have had 'a hand and a say' in it's formalization.
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CSA has had it's share of directed missions over it's 40+ years of existence. CSA rose from industry pioneers raising public awareness of an emergent, disruptive science, to raising funds and garnering political commitments for space for a rapidly growing and important department, to advocating for the university at the legislature, and providing counsel with respect to curricula, honors, special programs and direction. CSA has had an action-oriented past. Now there are many organizations that are vying for the 'brass ring'. At this juncture our thinking is that there are now plenty of people out in the local community who have been touched by the teaching and research of the department and perhaps CSA's next chapter is to evolve into a more social organization with the purpose to have fun. Hmmm, what do you say?
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All the best...
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JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-44996503063057858292014-12-12T17:57:00.002-06:002014-12-12T17:57:30.366-06:00U Tech Upgrade Nearing DeploymentThe massive, $83.5 million systemwide upgrade is counting down until it’s finally operational beginning in February 2015. <a href="http://www.mndaily.com/news/campus/2014/12/05/u-tech-upgrade-nearing-deployment" target="_blank">Read the story.</a>JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-6137299449530715592014-12-12T17:44:00.001-06:002014-12-12T17:44:25.919-06:00Sound bends Light<h2>
Extra! Extra! Read all about it.</h2>
UofMN researchers created a single chip that generates and contains both sound and light waves, the first of which modulates the optical light waves used to carry information, said lead researcher and physics doctoral student Semere Tadesse. The sound vibrations generated act like an earthquake and creates waves on the surface of the chip which alter the properties of the chip’s materials...<br />
Here's a link to the full story - <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.mndaily.com/news/campus/2014/12/08/sound-bends-light-tiny-chip&sa=U&ei=-nuLVOToK8v3yQSP_oCgAg&ved=0CAYQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGTVjM7QLz0ExvpKbZieYdLPaTsag">Sound bends light on a tiny chip | mndaily.com - The Minnesota Daily</a> <br />
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JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-10416015047004376672014-12-11T12:32:00.002-06:002014-12-11T12:34:51.410-06:00Clark Griswold would be proud!! 100,000 LEDs and lasers!!Join the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) during the first two weekends in December for a dazzling light show designed by students. The high-tech light show is bigger and better this year featuring more than 100,000 LED lights and laser projection set to music, some of which is written and recorded by University of Minnesota students. <a href="http://discover.umn.edu/news/campus-community/student-designed-winter-light-shows-begin-dec-5-university-minnesota">Learn more here.</a>JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-10566031674259240012014-12-11T12:07:00.002-06:002014-12-11T12:27:25.202-06:00CSA Celebrates Computer Science Education WeekThe CSA crew held it's fall semester meeting on December 9, 2014 featuring a <i>lunch and learn </i>session with Prof. Dan Knights on his research and fascinating results in "Hacking the Microbiome". The business portion of the meeting centered on CSA associations and activities relevant to "Computer Science Education Week", <br />
<a name='more'></a>specifically the Coder Dojo movement and the "Hour of Code" initiative. Prof. Knights, his team and collaborators' work is not only fascinating, it's practical and provides some very exciting insight into the human eco-system. It is also an exemplary and interesting application of computing. I wish we had video of his presentation, but here's a link to <a href="http://www.knightslab.org/" target="_blank">Prof Knight's research lab</a>.<br />
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In talking about what is happening in the metro area, Josh McGrath, a senior at Minnetonka High School and founder of the west metro's Tonka Coder Dojo chapter. Josh spoke about his experience as a mentor in the Twin Cities chapter which meets on campus at the STSS building and saw a need for this in the western metro. He founded the group in the spring of 2014 and by the end of summer had it up and running, of course, with help from other high schoolers and a crew of committed adults. The Tonka Coder Dojo is focused more on middle and high school aged students with an interest in computing by offering groups that are aligned closer to the interests and skill levels of the 'older kids'. After 4 sessions, the Tonka chapter is already serving 100 kids (ages 7-17) with another 50 on the waiting list. A central tenet of Coder Dojo is the 3:1 student to mentor ratio - everyone gets the attention they need. Tonka Coder Dojo is supported by the Minnetonka School District and the high school administration. The Chapter holds monthly sessions at the Media Lab at Minnetonka High School. JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-83592720965039819982014-12-01T21:47:00.002-06:002014-12-01T21:55:32.131-06:00Go West Coder Dojo! Go West to Minnetonka!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyu1PSrNfkW_ImbUky5ZWuP7WzJCa-pp4E8reoYxPVaQ7v9yvjUwPcipO2OTsa0tiHszEKnM3ulQBHZdufmLiyPnFjG1p2D_r4zDKxg9EM2a1RS9C8B88r0MijZHpjUPlqqnRtkOTAHSl/s1600/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a class="" data-mce-href="http://baby.miniaturesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" href="http://baby.miniaturesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Minnetonka High School launches the state’s first high school-based CoderDojo</span><br />
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<a class="" data-mce-href="http://baby.miniaturesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" href="http://baby.miniaturesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyu1PSrNfkW_ImbUky5ZWuP7WzJCa-pp4E8reoYxPVaQ7v9yvjUwPcipO2OTsa0tiHszEKnM3ulQBHZdufmLiyPnFjG1p2D_r4zDKxg9EM2a1RS9C8B88r0MijZHpjUPlqqnRtkOTAHSl/s1600/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyu1PSrNfkW_ImbUky5ZWuP7WzJCa-pp4E8reoYxPVaQ7v9yvjUwPcipO2OTsa0tiHszEKnM3ulQBHZdufmLiyPnFjG1p2D_r4zDKxg9EM2a1RS9C8B88r0MijZHpjUPlqqnRtkOTAHSl/s1600/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://baby.miniaturesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg"></a>The first day of school often brings feelings of nervous excitement to students returning from summers filled with bonfires, vacations and relaxation. But for two Minnetonka High School seniors, the back-to-school excitement began weeks before the first day of class.<br />
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Javidan Odqan and Josh McGrath have spent their summer coding in internship positions with an innovation company called Edmentum. As they enter their final year at Minnetonka High School, they’ll bring with them a new coding club that boasts a wait list already 85-people long: Tonka CoderDojo.<br />
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CoderDojo is an open source, volunteer-led movement that runs nonprofit coding clubs for young people. According to <a href="http://coderdojo.com/"><b>coderdojo.com</b></a>, children 7-17 are welcome, and each Dojo determines the age range its volunteers can handle.<br />
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Read the full article: <a href="http://sailor.mnsun.com/2014/09/05/cracking-the-code-tonka-coderdojo/">http://sailor.mnsun.com/2014/09/05/cracking-the-code-tonka-coderdojo/</a><br />
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<a href="http://baby.miniaturesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JoshJavi_CoderDoJo-09052014.jpg"></a>CSE Alumni Matt Gray and Rebecca Schatz, founders of the local Coder Dojo movement, have provided tons of encouragement, knowledge, tips, advice and support to Javidan Odqan and Josh McGrath as they navigated the waters of school district rules and regulations and built a functioning chapter. Good ideas win out and the Minnetonka School District has embraced Josh and Javi and welcomed Coder Dojo into their facilities and learning community. John Borowicz, CSA chair and CSE alumni, is a regular mentor at Tonka Coder Dojo and also provides web development, promotional and operations support.
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<a href="http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27025889/from-gut-bugs-rubiks-cube-u-professor-problem?source=email"><span style="font-size: large;">UMN professor solves problems from 'gut bugs' to Rubik's Cube - By Richard Chin</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Dan Knights is a new professor at the University of Minnesota doing cutting-edge work on microorganisms in the human body - but that's not why he's been on "Today" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." </span><a href="http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27025889/from-gut-bugs-rubiks-cube-u-professor-problem?source=email" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">View Full Story</a><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Prof. Knights will be presenting on his research during the "Lunch 'n Learn" portion of the CSA </span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">December 9, 2014 </span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">meeting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">For details and a reservation contact Anahita Ahrar, Communications Coordinator Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Office: 612-626-8020 </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Email: </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="mailto:ahra0005@umn.edu" target="_blank">ahra0005@umn.edu</a></span></div>
JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-26530520790332553702014-09-30T17:30:00.000-05:002014-12-02T15:19:56.408-06:003 CoderDojos in Town<h1 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcoming, open, safe, free environments for kids to learn coding.</span></h1>
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There are now three CoderDojos in town: the <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=e960f35dd2&e=395671619c">CoderDojo Twin Cities</a>, <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=05319d68f3&e=395671619c">Katie CoderDojo</a> and the new <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=76e814800d&e=395671619c">Tonka CoderDojo</a>. <br />
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Each one has a different style, code groups and age ranges so explore them all to find the best fit for your child. <br />
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Tickets are free, but go fast; register early (this weekend!) to avoid disappointment.<br />
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The <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=3b279cb01f&e=395671619c">CoderDojo movement</a> was started in 2011 in Ireland by code-savvy teenager James Whelton and philanthropist Bill Liao. There are now almost 500 CoderDojos in 48 countries. You can start one too; <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=148b615a4a&e=395671619c">here's how.</a><br />
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<i>FINCH ROBOTS</i><br />
Code Savvy is delighted to borrow 100 <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=8b3927f40c&e=395671619c">Finch Robots</a> during the month of September, thanks to Bird Brain Technologies. Finches are rugged little robots with light, obstacle, temperature and orientation sensors as well as the ability to move, change color, talk and play music.<br />
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We'll be programming the Finches at CoderDojoTC and Katie CoderDojo and also loaning them to teachers in schools across Minnesota during September. Interested educators please contact hello@CodeSavvy.org. </div>
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<i>CODING on the NORTHSIDE</i><br />
The <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=1ff81a314c&e=395671619c">Digital Empowerment Academy</a> is a digital literacy initiative founded in 2013 that enables Northside teens to become savvy users and creators of digital technology. DEA is hosting a series of digital literacy workshops in North Minneapolis -- check out the <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=8a365803e5&e=395671619c">schedule of events here</a> -- and has recently convened the <a href="http://codesavvy.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=efd1a559e0af20276037179b9&id=09b2bf7a02&e=395671619c">Northside Digital Innovation Alliance.</a><br />
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Save the date: A fundraising gala for the Digital Empowerment Academy will be held November 8, 2014 from 7 - 10 pm. For more information, please contact: <a href="mailto:Lanise@DigitalEmpowermentAcademy.org">Lanise@DigitalEmpowermentAcademy.org</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reproduced with respect and gratitude from Rebecca Schatz's </span>Code Savvy <span style="font-weight: normal;">email report 9/6/14</span></span></h1>
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JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-51343974834109525532014-08-29T15:18:00.000-05:002014-12-02T15:20:10.529-06:002014 Minnesota Cup Division WinnersMINNEAPOLIS—August 28, 2014—The <a href="http://www.breakthroughideas.org/">Minnesota Cup</a> — a statewide entrepreneurial competition that supports and accelerates the development of breakthrough business ideas from across the state — has named seven Minnesota-based startups as division winners and seven runners-up in its 2014 competition. <br />
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Now in its tenth year, the Minnesota Cup — the nations' largest statewide new venture competition — will award $300,000 in prize money in 2014 to Minnesota's budding entrepreneurs. <br />
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These seven division-winning companies will compete for the $50,000 grand prize award and the coveted Minnesota Cup at our <a href="https://2014mncupfinalevent.eventbrite.com/">final awards event</a> on September 10 at the University of Minnesota. At the event, winners from each category will be awarded $30,000 in seed capital (with the exception of the Student and Social division winners, who are awarded $20,000 each). Additionally, one runner-up from each division will receive $5,000. <br />
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<b>Energy/Clean Tech/Water:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="http://www.75fahrenheit.com/">75F</a> - Deepinder Singh, Blue Earth County<br />
Runner-up: Pelican Lake Holdings - Robert Anderson, Grant County<br />
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<b>Food/Ag/Beverage:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="http://www.drinkenu.com/">Trovita Health Science</a> – William Brown, Hennepin County<br />
Runner-up: <a href="http://www.locallylaid.com/">Locally Laid Egg Company</a> – Jason Amundsen, St. Louis County<br />
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<b>General:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="https://playfromscratch.com/yoxo/">YOXO</a> - Jeff Freeland Nelson, Ramsey County<br />
Runner-up: <a href="http://jentratools.com/">JenTra Tools</a> - Travis Kelley, Cass County<br />
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<b>High Tech:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="http://www.elevateresearch.net/">Elevate</a> - Joe Stanton, Dakota County<br />
Runner-up: <a href="http://www.infiniram.com/">InfiniRAM</a> - Martin Fenner, Washington County<br />
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<b>Life Science/Health IT:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="http://andasinc.com/">Andas Inc</a> - Joseph Jensen, Hennepin County<br />
Runner-up: <a href="http://www.spinethera.com/">SpineThera</a> - Jeff Missling, Hennepin County<br />
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<b>Social Entrepreneur:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="http://www.verdeenvirotech.com/">Verde Environmental and Medsaway</a> - Carter Anderson, Dakota County<br />
Runner-up: <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/twin-cities-mobile-market">Twin Cities Mobile Market</a> - Leah Driscoll, Ramsey County<br />
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<b>Student:</b><br />
Division Winner: <a href="http://jonnypops.com/">Jonny Pops</a> - Connor Wray, Rice County<br />
Runner-up: <a href="http://www.techbankusa.com/">Tech Bank, LLC</a> - Austin White-Pentony, Hennepin County<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Host sponsors of The 2014 Minnesota Cup competition include Wells Fargo and the University of Minnesota. Other lead sponsors include Carlson, Digital River, General Mills and UnitedHealth Group. Supporting sponsors include Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Blandin Foundation, Bush Foundation, Cafe Inc., Cleantech Open, CliftonLarsonAllen, The Collaborative, The Digging LLC, Eide Bailly, Fredrikson and Byron, Gopher Angels, Gray Plant Mooty, Grain Millers, Haberman, Initiative Foundation, Leonhardt Ventures, LifeScience Alley, Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, Magnet 360, Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, Messerli & Kramer, Minneapolis Foundation, MN Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota High Tech Association, Minnesota Venture Capital Association, MOJO MN, The Mosaic Company, Proto Labs, Inc., Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation, SixSpeed, Split Rock Partners, Spoken Impact, Stinson Leonard Street, Stoel Rives, StarTec Investments, TECHdotMN, Treehouse Health, and West Central Initiative Foundation.</span><br />
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The Minnesota Cup is an annual competition that seeks to support and accelerate the development of the best breakthrough ideas from across Minnesota. For more information and to enter, please visit <a href="http://www.breakthroughideas.org/">www.breakthroughideas.org</a>.JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-57630540312405054172014-06-12T13:55:00.003-05:002014-06-12T14:19:20.721-05:002014 Minnesota CUP entrepreneur competition trimmed to 70 <div style="border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Minnesota Cup announced Monday that 70 semifinalists have advanced to the next round of the annual entrepreneur competition—and will now compete for $300,000 in prize money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 70 entrepreneur teams were selected from a pool of nearly 1,300 applicants, the highest number of entrants ever, for the 10th annual Minnesota Cup, a statewide competition that seeks out the most innovative business ideas. Winners are announced in September. Read more about the competition, divisions and teams in the <a href="http://tcbmag.com/News/Recent-News/2014/June/2014-Minnesota-Cup-Names-70-Semifinalists" target="_blank">MCB article</a>.</span></div>
JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-49785044316149031372014-05-12T11:00:00.000-05:002014-05-12T11:00:01.739-05:00Engineering Humor<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A software developer, a hardware engineer, and a mid-level manager were on their way to a conference center located near the top of a mountain. After the conference, they were driving down the steep mountain road, and suddenly the brakes on their car failed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The car careened almost out of control down the road, bouncing off the crash barriers, until it miraculously ground to a halt scraping along the mountainside. The car's occupants, shaken but unhurt, now had a problem: They were stuck halfway down a mountain in a car with no brakes. What were they to do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I know," said the manager, "Let's have a meeting, propose a vision, formulate a mission statement, define some goals, and, by a process of continuous improvement, find a solution to the critical problems, and we can be on our way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"No, no," said the hardware engineer. "That will take far too long, and besides, that method has never worked before. I've got my Swiss Army knife with me, and in no time at all, I can strip down the car's braking system, isolate the fault, fix it, and we can be on our way."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Well," said the software developer, "before we do anything, I think we should push the car back to the top of the mountain and see if it happens again."</span>JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-62729092521810080912014-05-11T23:30:00.000-05:002014-05-11T23:30:00.052-05:00Minnesota Angel Shuts Down Keeping tabs on the 'technology and entrepreneurial community' is important for engineers and scientists at all stages of their careers. Knowing what is 'new' and 'trending' goes beyond the 'technology' and 'gadgets'. Knowing what is going on in 'your field' also involves understanding and appreciating how enterprises are formed, evolve and are financed and also who's doing this stuff! <a href="http://tcbmag.com/News/Recent-News/2014/May/The-Minnesota-Angel-Network-Shuts-Down" target="_blank">Read the story in the May 1, 2014 Twin Cities Business magazine.</a> JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-2018792540192420052014-05-11T23:15:00.000-05:002014-05-11T23:32:33.132-05:00Connections In the past year, the focus of Computer Science Associates has been refined and its role with the Department redefined. <br />
The Industry Affiliates Council has taken on the heavy lifting and necessary role of seeking and securing high-value, annual and multi-year financial support commitments to the department from the national, regional and state's major technology and computer-centric corporations. <br />
CSA is now serving the department by providing an organization for the region's alumni, industry professionals, tech biz managers, and interested individuals from the community to interact with the faculty, students and staff to further the understanding of the objectives and problems facing the field of computer science and the department. CSA promotes friendship among all of the participants and a connecting people with each other interested in the benefits of computing-based technologies.<br />
The organization's focus remains on the Computer Science and Engineering department's noble mission of being the region's nexus of computer science research, education and enterprise interests.<br />
The role of CSA has shifted from building fund raising, academic program definition, curriculum assessment, and legislative advocacy to 'fun', comradeship and a connection with purpose. Come join us. Bring along a colleague and have them bring a friend. <br />
Let's compute some fun!JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-83769690320385806002014-05-11T23:00:00.000-05:002014-05-11T20:45:47.837-05:00Creative Industry Rebounding in MinnesotaAmong all of the 'arts' filmmaking is the ultimate collaborative creative endeavor. A film project is an enormous risk and a daunting undertaking. Special application software, hi-end A/D optical and audio interfaces and the advent of low-cost desktop supercomputers has changed filmmaking forever. Much to the delight of audiences worldwide and now Minnesota's film community is getting some help from our legislators. <a href="http://tcbmag.com/Industries/Marketing,-Advertising,-PR-and-Media/Take-Two" target="_blank">Read the story in the April 21, 2014 <b>Twin Cities Business</b> magazine</a> JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-58595245363673466722014-05-11T21:30:00.000-05:002014-05-11T20:46:04.448-05:00CS&E Prof. Konstan comments on 'Massive Open Online Course' movement An excerpt from a <b>Minnesota Public Radio</b> May 4, 2014 story<br />
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<i>"The free online courses that top-notch universities offer to the public were once hyped as an innovation that could threaten the higher education establishment. But now many in the industry are scaling back expectations. University studies show MOOC students aren't performing as well supporters had hoped, and they're not exactly the underserved masses that many educators were hoping to reach."</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/05/04/moocs-not-living-up-to-the-hype-as-students-underperform-and-drop-out">Read or listen to the whole story</a><br />
<br />JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-56888200842978222612014-04-02T12:00:00.000-05:002014-05-11T19:30:57.778-05:00MinneWebCon April 14-15, 2014
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXH5BUdgM4WxMvcHAHpvmAV_zy5d0O-pZOn_WurK4XjnkH9Q0B_x-Z3mCEQsGWCF9ugQ_WdWuWyB49-YYUf00nHk9szoe2aiDGHSzTj9eM0GvN60K7ZEMon71quiIX3nBr3NV11Ss0lVP/s1600/MinneWebCon14_poster-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXH5BUdgM4WxMvcHAHpvmAV_zy5d0O-pZOn_WurK4XjnkH9Q0B_x-Z3mCEQsGWCF9ugQ_WdWuWyB49-YYUf00nHk9szoe2aiDGHSzTj9eM0GvN60K7ZEMon71quiIX3nBr3NV11Ss0lVP/s1600/MinneWebCon14_poster-225x300.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
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MinneWebCon’s roots are in people coming together to solve problems and make things easier, and we are entering our seventh year with a big-time commitment to grassroots knowledge-sharing. You might hear from folks who are working in your field, or are in a position you consider <br />
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light-years from the everyday. Our work with the web brings us together, and at MinneWebCon attendees and speakers from all backgrounds, career paths, and work environments have a space to collaborate, talk, learn, ask, test, argue, create, and grow.<br />
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From the Twin Cities, Minnesota, the Midwest, and beyond… join us April 14th and 15th, 2014!<br />
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<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minnewebcon-2014-registration-10337863829?ref=ebtnebregn"><img src="https://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=10337863829" /></a>
JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-89098608716930252732014-04-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-11T19:30:57.781-05:00Spring 2014 Alumni Learning Series - May 2<h2>
Physics and Nanotechology Building—Tour and Lunch</h2>
<i>By James Marti, Associate Program Director of the Minnesota Nano Center</i><br />
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Friday, May 2, 2014 (RSVP by April 25)<br />
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Noon-1:30 p.m.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Itbl2ji_ZwwaZbA6BqoPDkZZ3wwu3hzkruWcWJA8RynW2Yegyl_DA0GmrbRfYNf2TKd1-9MCjjM1GglCBbQFlAo_KdHimKpnV2YWmIJEnNOybfpBHnbUiNoHkozVoAMEOSl9nr7vrQ4D/s1600/nano.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Itbl2ji_ZwwaZbA6BqoPDkZZ3wwu3hzkruWcWJA8RynW2Yegyl_DA0GmrbRfYNf2TKd1-9MCjjM1GglCBbQFlAo_KdHimKpnV2YWmIJEnNOybfpBHnbUiNoHkozVoAMEOSl9nr7vrQ4D/s1600/nano.png" /></a></div>
Physics and Nanotechnology Building<br />
115 Union St SE, Minneapolis<br />
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Enter by either the east or west doors.<br />
We will meet in the MNC conference room, Rm. 130 (just off the main floor atrium).<br />
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<a href="http://cse.umn.edu/forms/1405_alumni_learning.php" target="_blank">Register for the May 2 lunch and tour</a><br />
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The University of Minnesota launches a new era of excellence with the Grand Opening of the new Physics and Nanotechnology Building this spring. The new facility will house experimental physicists—relocated from Tate Laboratories—in about 40 new research laboratories. More than 5,000 square feet of new clean room space has opened in the nanotechnology portion of the building, plus new labs for biological and nanomaterials research not found in any of the University's existing common-use nanotech labs. The new facility allows for the expansion of interdisciplinary research, as the University simply didn't have that space available in the past.<br />
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Join us for lunch, followed by a tour, in this amazing new space.<br />
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We look forward to seeing you!<br />
David J. Lilja, Department Head<br />
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br />
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Vipin Kumar, Department Head<br />
Department of Computer Science and Engineering<br />
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Parking</h3>
Parking for all of these events is conveniently located across the street from Keller Hall in the Washington Avenue Ramp.<br />
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For more information, contact Anastacia Quinn Davis at <a href="mailto:aqdavis@umn.edu">aqdavis@umn.edu</a> or 612-625-4509.<br />
<br />JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-36910422632454797582014-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-11T19:30:57.775-05:00Spring 2014 Alumni Learning Series - April 24<h2>
Low-Inertia Microgrids to Enable High Renewable Integration</h2>
<i>By Sairaj Dhople, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering</i><br />
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Thursday April 24, 2014 (RSVP by April 17)<br />
11:30 am-1:00 pm<br />
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Walter Library, Room 101<br />
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117 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIzdn4j1BAZRZAYxiLV-6n7yTiPeNLwX7i0PgsGqQFYeSy_lSP3JHjKUxX8p6Fd-zVsTCexDRg0II2g9MI2vyK09GK1iyMygD9syiIfd7GQ4YJOtr00GEboamd6bYD9PnYIeg_f_Xc-AZ/s1600/Dhople.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIzdn4j1BAZRZAYxiLV-6n7yTiPeNLwX7i0PgsGqQFYeSy_lSP3JHjKUxX8p6Fd-zVsTCexDRg0II2g9MI2vyK09GK1iyMygD9syiIfd7GQ4YJOtr00GEboamd6bYD9PnYIeg_f_Xc-AZ/s1600/Dhople.png" height="200" width="133" /></a>Box lunches will be served.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://cse.umn.edu/forms/140424_alumni_learning.php" target="_blank">Register for the April 24 lunch</a><br />
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In this talk, assistant professor Dhople will describe the modeling, analysis, and control challenges in emerging low-inertia microgrids, which offer several system-level advantages such as reducing transmission and distribution losses, increasing renewable integration, and ensuring a reliable and secure power supply to critical loads in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Consequently, developing countries may choose to sidestep the traditional hierarchical bulk power system, in favor of agile and adaptable micro grids.<br />
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We look forward to seeing you!<br />
David J. Lilja, Department Head<br />
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br />
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Vipin Kumar, Department Head<br />
Department of Computer Science and Engineering<br />
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<h3>
Parking</h3>
Parking for all of these events is conveniently located across the street from Keller Hall in the Washington Avenue Ramp.<br />
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For more information, contact Anastacia Quinn Davis at <a href="mailto:aqdavis@umn.edu">aqdavis@umn.edu</a> or 612-625-4509.JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-57295034788602947552014-03-29T15:00:00.000-05:002014-03-30T15:41:07.345-05:00Mentor at the new Sumner Code Club<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Please consider mentoring at the new Sumner Code Club, held in the beautiful Sumner Library just northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Inspire Northside girls and boys (ages 9 to 14) to explore coding using </span><a href="http://www.scratch.mit.edu/" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Scratch</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"> -- a fun and powerful language for creating and sharing your own games, animations and stories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Experienced Scratch mentors -- or mentors eager to explore Scratch -- are all welcome. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCNDZcl-i27pbQFV23uzA6HeXosf7gwK6pJuZXDJdwEw-FWvAUaLMZz7ZeovyR8CSnyQNVVgJ49ot-ox8Rl62xhCaj4l6O7nEAwXrfmmNnrvVNwgt3GmUl8V0B8NVYmGPbl8u2IS3kip-/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCNDZcl-i27pbQFV23uzA6HeXosf7gwK6pJuZXDJdwEw-FWvAUaLMZz7ZeovyR8CSnyQNVVgJ49ot-ox8Rl62xhCaj4l6O7nEAwXrfmmNnrvVNwgt3GmUl8V0B8NVYmGPbl8u2IS3kip-/s1600/image001.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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We're starting out with 3 sessions on Monday evenings from 4 to 6 pm -- March 31, April 7 and April 14. </div>
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Please<b> <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/mentor-at-the-new-sumner-code-club-tickets-11072152105">REGISTER HERE</a></b> to mentor at one or all of these events and enjoy introducing a Northside child to the delights of coding.</div>
Thank you for helping inspire a diverse new code-savvy generation. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. And please spread the word. </div>
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Thank you,</div>
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<b>Rebecca Schatz</b><br />
<a href="mailto:rebecca@codesavvy.org" target="_blank">rebecca@codesavvy.org</a></div>
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JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-57959832643730711472014-03-24T10:30:00.000-05:002014-03-30T15:39:19.544-05:00WSJ cites Coder DoJo Twin Cities <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/SB10001424052702304709904579411354120634252-lMyQjAxMTA0MDIwMjEyNDIyWj" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6gzGqsHkpHm80q_FOce-AJUTzQtLN7LBbl_MV2X_XbjGNVXlpZGKMxaertO5GheAYhuHda36DzjoUTbtXqwt4cqLi8w16KkSJsDtx6MXM1LBmz-MtgbQ_MRCMosDEERIqoY5DC1aCj5y/s1600/WSJ_CoderDoJo.jpg" height="172" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Matt Gray, co-founder of <a href="http://www.coderdojotc.org/" target="_blank">Coder DoJo Twin Cities</a> and a guest at our next meeting is featured in a March 22, 2014 article on the rising interest and the opportunities to learn 'coding'. JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-18860143631776878222014-03-21T00:30:00.000-05:002014-05-11T19:30:57.773-05:00CSA Spring Meeting - April 16, 2014 7:30-9:00am<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>We're mixing it up for our early spring meet up. In place of a mid-afternoon gathering, we're going to try for an earlier time slot - Breakfast! Our special speaker for this meeting is one of CS&E's 'top researchers' - Prof. Loren Terveen whose research focuses on 'Precision Crowdsourcing'. The meeting details can be found under the <i>agenda tab</i> above.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXhZ2HFCrvMufUqKoAJB5NW7JY2zFsPQZ6k1aAv3tB793isIJnOsTVIkk__iaDpUoEm4n1a31z-OQfiiPYUYtDJn38wv7lI9CZeJeW-MCwO2jKNjGOQWXHFbq8bPRXz2D1L2v1QR25HOB/s1600/HS_loren-terveen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXhZ2HFCrvMufUqKoAJB5NW7JY2zFsPQZ6k1aAv3tB793isIJnOsTVIkk__iaDpUoEm4n1a31z-OQfiiPYUYtDJn38wv7lI9CZeJeW-MCwO2jKNjGOQWXHFbq8bPRXz2D1L2v1QR25HOB/s1600/HS_loren-terveen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prof. Loren Terveen</td></tr>
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Prof. Loren Terveen will be joining us to talk about his precision crowdsourcing work with social media giant 'Pinterest'. He will present some noteworthy research findings, share his viewpoints on this research and bring us up to date on his current interests. After the talk, we'll have a short CSA business meeting.<br />
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Plus, we'll also have Matt Gray of Clockwork Active Media, a software engineer, tech-biz entrepreneur, CS&E alumnus 'in the house' to talk to CSA membership about Coder DoJo Twin Cities. Matt co-founded the Twin Cities chapter and he'll have some inspiring anecdotes to share.<br />
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<b>Wednesday April 16, 2014 </b><i>(RSVP by April 10)</i><br />
<b>7:30-9:00 am</b></div>
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<a href="http://ecommunication.umn.edu/t/350210/13427399/86796/0/" target="_blank">Keller Hall</a>, Room 4-178<br />
200 Union St. SE, Minneapolis<br />
Continental breakfast will be served.<br />
Enter through the Electrical and Computer Engineering Main Office on the fourth floor.<br />
Register here: <a href="http://cse.umn.edu/forms/140416_alumni_learning.php" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank"><b>http://cse.umn.edu/forms/140416_alumni_learning.php</b></a></div>
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In concert with the College and Dean's office, we've invited CSE alumni to Professor Terveen's talk as one of the college's Spring 2014 Alumni Learning events. We're hopeful this 'breakfast' time frame will not throw too many 'old timers' off of their game clock. We're trying new and different ways to boost involvement and attendance. Our hope is to attract and welcome a few new faces and reconnect with old friends who couldn't get away for the typical mid-afternoon CSA meeting time. <br />
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See you bright and early on the 16th.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Ed. Note:</b> Years of informal surveys over the past few years told us that CSA folks were 'open and welcoming' to different meeting times and places, given adequate notice, of course.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We need your input, we want to hear from you. Your suggestions and feedback are welcome.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please, please take that 5 minutes and send us your thoughts, criticisms, ideas and recommendations via email. All of our 'lead dog' email addresses for this august organization are listed in the 'CSA MailBag' section. Just click on the link and start. </span>JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-58746485081141902652014-03-07T01:00:00.000-06:002014-03-19T15:45:38.578-05:00CSA chair's connection field trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWK-JFObdqOdl0iug1cDxystTxpRqFj1P5-0ddh-mDQMO-tyuR0Q6DrsqVdXaw7-rXMR1MZzivtZwHUwmn9egXDvkwb8T5ee-gvp97sT7Ze5mDoki74BOE6PbCzyln6TJwbFsNUdtXnYH/s1600/UM_STSS-350x216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWK-JFObdqOdl0iug1cDxystTxpRqFj1P5-0ddh-mDQMO-tyuR0Q6DrsqVdXaw7-rXMR1MZzivtZwHUwmn9egXDvkwb8T5ee-gvp97sT7Ze5mDoki74BOE6PbCzyln6TJwbFsNUdtXnYH/s1600/UM_STSS-350x216.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a>I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with CS&E's Distinguished Alumnus, Rebecca Schatz <span style="font-size: x-small;">(founder of 'The Works' and leads CodeSavvy.org),</span> about her connecting with kids through coding and the outcomes she has witnessed. I was personally convinced that CodeSavvy could be that extra-special connection and relationship that CSA has been seeking to bolster our outreach activity. <br />
<br />
Rebecca is a terrific role model, fabulous leader and a strong advocate for volunteering with a purpose. She saw 'the need' before it was on most people's 'needs' radar. She experimented and built and tested and proved efficacy and feasibility. No doubt about it - I was sold! But, a <i>nano</i>-dilemma presented itself. If 'I' was going to stand behind this, recommend this initiative to CSA and the department, promote it, and do my level best to persuade colleagues, cajole friends and their colleagues to join this movement - I needed to see it 'in action' for myself. I had to 'eat my own dog food' and see if a) these events were any good; and b) I - as a gray haired, 30 year info pro - could do this and like it! So, I got the sign-up URL from Rebecca and attended the January 25th CoderDoJo Twin Cities event that CodeSavvy sponsors along with a couple of local software enterprises: Clockwork Active Media and Code42; a well known advertising agency - Colle+McVoy; and a couple of 'like-minded', non-profit, STEM advocates: Good 'n Nerdy and MinnWebCon.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
The events are held regularly at the STSS building on the UofM east bank campus. I went as an invited guest - an observer - with a simple plan. I wanted to get a feel for the level and capabilities of the organization and experience a CoderDoJo 'session'. I hoped to spend as much time during the two hour session wandering about talking with the kids in the different code groups, their parents and the 'veteran' mentors. <br />
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In the STSS lobby area there were people gathered around a registration table setup adjacent to the entrance of the session rooms. After greeting some familiar folks and registering, I entered the first room and scanned the 'code group' ID placards on each of the dozen or so tables. Mentors, kids and parents were huddled at the respective group tables spread across the expansive room setting up the donated laptops, their own computers and getting their projects going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlt7S2FqJ6cwqquJcNcqu6FZ5u5U7mqXHEB6xgs1xLhoJ2aszu6rWPXwmHQYSH9q4efIiJRN6ZDXMN4UFUggiTL1nKKbSBFCy92rY6qkdpjFPdRhhAgDPzfUBPTJzZZ01h1zDPhA52dZ1/s1600/dojo_boy-girl_180x180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlt7S2FqJ6cwqquJcNcqu6FZ5u5U7mqXHEB6xgs1xLhoJ2aszu6rWPXwmHQYSH9q4efIiJRN6ZDXMN4UFUggiTL1nKKbSBFCy92rY6qkdpjFPdRhhAgDPzfUBPTJzZZ01h1zDPhA52dZ1/s1600/dojo_boy-girl_180x180.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Other energetic, young adults were attending to the ever present technical glitches and startup issues like getting the right WiFi password and updating a newly donated laptop's software.<br />
Nearest the door were five or more tables for the 'Scratch' and 'Ruby' groups and farther away a couple of Python and Minecraft tables, At the end of the room there were a couple of Linux groups, Aurdino groups, and a Web Development table or two. Throughout my visit and walkabout, the room was "a jumpin''' with eager minds and bodies in motion. I stepped out to peek into the adjoining meeting/session room and saw another dozen tables filled with eager, energetic experimenters and coaches. The fact finding had begun. <br />
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As an 'observer' I was assigned to shadow a 'seasoned' mentor working in the 'Scratch' code group. I took an open seat at a 'Scratch' group table with three 10 year olds and a couple of parents. Other parents were parked nearby observing and waving encouragement to their kids, some were fixed focused, head down and deeply gazing into their smartphone screens, and still others (with kids > 13 y.o.) were off to the nearby coffee shop or the art museum.<br />
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As soon as everything was operational at out table, the lead mentor started off with a few questions to get to know the kids and what they were interested in and if there was anything specific they wanted to do. Before I knew it, I was soon as 'into it' and engaged as the kids were in learning 'Scratch' (and it's IDE).<br />
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After a couple of exercises were under our belts and we had hit a good stride, our mentor was called away [he was the on-site WiFi and hardware guru] to deal with some hardware problems. Standing up, he turned and tossed the 'Scratch' manual to me saying, "You're on! You are now a 'Scratch mentor'. I gotta go fix that that...." His voice trailing off as and the din of the room masking his words. After a few very, very long seconds of panic and terror I managed to mentally reset and soon I was back; fully engaged with these 10 year olds as we continued their exploration and first experiences with 'Scratch'. It was entertaining, challenging and very rewarding.<br />
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We talked about putting a 'Scratch' program together and how they'd go about it. We talked about creating and writing the instructions and then how to 'debug' their code. We joked about doing the same thing over and over and being frustrated and that led to a discussion on how to 'stay in charge' and create a new approach, a new solution to a vexing problem. The kids seemed to have a really good time, and so did those parents who worked alongside their kids. As for me, I learned a lot about 'Scratch'. This was my very first exposure to it.<br />
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The 'official' Scratch mentor did return from his errand and I was able to excuse myself and continue my 'fact finding' and 'experiential' walkabout mission at a CoderDoJo Twin Cities event. There was an air of joy and excitement. It was most certainly an energetic setting but it was never chaotic; a paradoxical atmosphere - vibrant tranquility.<br />
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As I visited with various groups, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of parents who joined in with their kids learning, experimenting, creating and collaborating. Many of the mentors who I conversed with told me they got involved because of their own children. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKF4CBb__0PZyNxzHa2pH3MXJ3b224jTtXEzm71k24jhone-j7w7LVlF-tRVTfxvdYdrs-FpXPoloK9L1B7B8Y98Lc44NK-M-ytP3u6bfVwVNUPiLVjMv598Toiq7PWrSjaSGE369AJTn/s1600/dojo_boy-girl-mentor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKF4CBb__0PZyNxzHa2pH3MXJ3b224jTtXEzm71k24jhone-j7w7LVlF-tRVTfxvdYdrs-FpXPoloK9L1B7B8Y98Lc44NK-M-ytP3u6bfVwVNUPiLVjMv598Toiq7PWrSjaSGE369AJTn/s1600/dojo_boy-girl-mentor.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
At the January 25th session there were at least 100 kids who were therer having a great time. I was told that another 25 or more were on the waiting list and couldn't participate only because there weren't enough mentors who signed up for this session. <br />
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It was an afternoon that flew by and after the event, Rebecca and I only had a few minutes to talk. I asked about the 3:1 student-to-mentor model, and their mentor vetting and training processes. She said that over the years, they've learned plenty about what works with kids and what doesn't. And the same is true in the area of guiding, directing and preparing 'new' volunteers for their 'new' mentoring and coaching roles. Plus, Rebecca said that CSA members will appreciate that these programs are about goals, planning, learning, failing, overcoming, understanding, wonder and the joy that comes with a wonderful outcome.<br />
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After my sample of one event - I can say unequivocally, that I believe CSA should partner with CodeSavvy & CoderDoJoTC! I can strongly recommend and encourage that CSA members become mentors and commit some 20+ hours over a year to a CoderDoJo season and chapter.<br />
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The friendship building, networking and new learning opportunities alone make this opportunity personally and professionally worthwhile. The time spent with the kids exploring their ideas and dreams is very rewarding and invigorating. The programs are established, well structured and proven effective. Plus, they are easy as can be for CSA members, friends and colleagues to get in and to stay involved with. The outcomes benefit the kids, the mentors and the community. Volunteer now for this very important work that not everyone can do. There is an unmet need and we're asking you to step up and help us meet it.<br />
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CodeSavvy & CoderDoJoTC have already created a model that is pragmatic, personable and professional. It gets to the core of effectively contributing one's time and sharing knowledge and helpful experiences.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVkfFwIVp1wtBEmb-WTEMSZlXKLGpBtIQKULfNSJvZ8PSmX_fX6CEyT7cxxD-RjUMA3TdJPhMo5et1N6h_bn2WNZFUK2WC5wuN-BwhtrrOQZlGz-5jRPLxjmHH6OhfBNASzUhi0tEXKsi/s1600/dojo_teen-mentor-teen_Fo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVkfFwIVp1wtBEmb-WTEMSZlXKLGpBtIQKULfNSJvZ8PSmX_fX6CEyT7cxxD-RjUMA3TdJPhMo5et1N6h_bn2WNZFUK2WC5wuN-BwhtrrOQZlGz-5jRPLxjmHH6OhfBNASzUhi0tEXKsi/s1600/dojo_teen-mentor-teen_Fo.jpg" height="199" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>They have a vetting and training process in place to help newcomers ease into mentoring or coaching a few young, energetic minds. And from my viewpoint as a grandfather, it was so warm and rewarding to see these mentors (mostly Dads and a fewer number of Moms [all in their 30s, mostly]) working with the kids and honing their teaching skills. It was fun to see rapport and confidence being built by them revealing a programming trick or two. There is plenty of learning and networking opportunities for the mentors, too. <br />
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It was very good afternoon. I must’ve thought so, because I signed up for the next session on March 8th. And, I am planning on being at the session after that on March 22nd, and the one after that, too! I hope and trust more CSA folks will be joining me at future events. It's easy to sign up. Point your browser to <a href="http://www.coderdojotc.org/"> CoderDoJoTC.org</a>, check it out and don't forget to signup. BTW, you'll also find a post below from the co-founder of the CoderDoJo Twin Cities chapter, Matt Gray of Clockwork Active Media. There's a link for you to click on to 'sign up', too! Hmmm, Imagine that! And Matt will be joining us at the next CSA 'breakfast' meeting in April.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Cheers, John L. Borowicz, CSA Chair 2014 <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Submitted on February 26, 2014</span><br />
<br />JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-11948879314163020312014-03-07T00:00:00.000-06:002014-03-19T15:42:41.468-05:00Coder DoJo is Calling You ... back to the UHi Mentors,<br />
<br />
If you are mentoring at the March 22 event, you may register up to three of your own children at this time. Please contact hello@coderdojotc.org if you have any questions or concerns.<br />
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<hello coderdojotc.org=""><br /></hello></div>
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<a href="http://www.coderdojotc.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs49e1d9KxdXmPvrp4mqrIbMRTT0bjqFtxsQLBS7O4zPFcmeUUPxy3OUTAkp1PY1TwZaenTXwLkXFXCu8E2Krc_d3shujtxbvUx6tgSiYKxtfwFg88YODnDp-Us3-CpGLEr8FrmHft9ec9/s1600/coder-dojotc_banner.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
</div>
<hello coderdojotc.org="">We have a fantastic roster lined up for this Saturday---30 mentors---but
I'd love to see even more for the 22nd so we can take full advantage of the
classrooms at the U.</hello><br />
I'm working on a date for a mentors-only meetup so we can discuss 2014 so
far and how well each group is working. I'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
Thank you all so much for volunteering your time to create this unique
opportunity for kids and young adults in the metro area. And a special 'thank you' to all of you who put so much time, energy and effort into CoderDojo every other week. <br />
<br />
Remember, every mentor that volunteers means an additional three students
can attend CoderDojo!<br />
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You'd think after nearly a year of our events
I'd be used to the delight in a child's eyes when they figure out they can
control their computer---but I'm not. It gets me every time. :)<br />
<br />
Thank you. Matt Gray<br />
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<a href="http://coderdojotc20140308.eventbrite.com/?access=CodeSavvyin2014!">Volunteer to warm your heart, sharpen your mind, and create some smiles! </a><br />
Sign up to be a mentor at the upcoming 4/12/2014 event!<br />
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<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Ed.Note:</span> </strong>CoderDoJo Twin Cities<em> conducts 14 week 'seasons' consisting of 7 working sessions held every other Saturday at the STSS building on the east bank UofMN campus. </em><br />
<em>For details and remaining session dates for the 'current' season refer to the <a href="http://www.coderdojotc.org/">CoderDoJo website.</a></em> JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-34145870198449347012014-03-06T23:00:00.000-06:002014-03-30T15:57:36.976-05:00CSA and CodeSavvy.orgCSA began discussing the 'connection initiative'"how to<i>s</i>" with an expert, Rebecca Schatz, founder of the celebrated 'The Works', CodeSavvy.org and CS&E Department's 2013 Distinguished Alumni. Rebecca's <i>real world</i> experiences and the hard lessons learned in building and running 'The Works' has provided her with an invaluable storehouse of foundational knowledge and years of experiences on the successful ways to start-up, market, nurture and operate an outreach program.<br />
<br />
Rebecca's thrilled to have CSA on board and the timing is right! She points out that the 'general public' is more attuned to the needs and pleas of better science and math educational opportunities and specifically getting more young girls involved. Youngsters and teens are eager to learn about computers and robots and rockets and smartphones and apps and the how-tos of building and creating. And yet, there's a shortage of 'qualified' mentors and coaches to leverage this great opportunity to connect and inspire. <br />
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There was 'an obvious match' between our respective organizations. CodeSavvy needs mentors for the kids who are participating in its programs, and CSA has some adult professionals who could find a way to commit a few hours exploring and coaching kids learning technology.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.codesavvy.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYl6tX5TdLRs2pxhR11kCU5zI94LDGhIXPGzPAy_3tXuHlpjH7nmEZK1radTx7xe5ygAwgL9QhAb-D8FFIKocTBlyb0Z5sj9YsEN8YFxbEH2bADhD6lLAKsbGP5-IoeNcbZpOqMLYYh3m/s1600/code-savvy_banner.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
Join with us. We have plenty of openings and lots of opportunities. Check out all that is available and all that is coming up.JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188816360428544363.post-23681389659422896212014-03-06T22:30:00.000-06:002014-03-06T22:32:16.886-06:00An Organization's Vitality Is Connection<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Computing in modern society is now redefining 'ubiquitous' as the Internet of Things (IoT) era begins. Civilizations are increasingly dependent upon computer systems to operate and monitor our critical infrastructure and vital public safety services. In all kinds of businesses - manufacturing and services, in all of the sciences and engineering disciplines in all of our communications - computing continues to transform our lives, disrupt 'old ways', and obsolete 'old models' at an incredible pace. As civilization advances there's a growing priority 'need' to attract more young girls and boys into the sciences, mathematics, engineering and developing technologies. There's an aspect of this crisis of attraction that is as equally pressing as getting kids interested and involved and that is the need for STEM-based working professionals to volunteer to coach and mentor these young minds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYtUhPuqMnHZJvsUbwsjwcQ0MuRMUXb32tFqnZblrYBTLUk6TMfyWl8euR568tQrf98XRCgIarPhszRrusMp7_8HaawrZS5w2WNI3R5z-0DANvlhwS8znVIebV-vzfmwyyMB8XRD4LN9Q/s1600/mentor-calendar_150x115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYtUhPuqMnHZJvsUbwsjwcQ0MuRMUXb32tFqnZblrYBTLUk6TMfyWl8euR568tQrf98XRCgIarPhszRrusMp7_8HaawrZS5w2WNI3R5z-0DANvlhwS8znVIebV-vzfmwyyMB8XRD4LN9Q/s1600/mentor-calendar_150x115.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Get involved. Have some fun. And make a difference. We need to provide tangible help to our impressionable and inquisitive kids and out-of-classroom support for our teachers. This is our Call to Action! CSA is asking its members and colleagues - the scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technicians - the STEM cadre of the state's business community - to step up and volunteer. For those involved with computing, we invite you to join us and help us to expand the mentor ranks of proven, working projects like Coder DoJo Twin Cities, Coder DoJo Rochester and other allied CodeSavvy projects. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9188816360428544363" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Our stated mission is to facilitate connecting our CSA members with 'local communities' [as goodwill ambassadors of the CS&E department, college and university, and as human beings of character, honor and integrity who care about the future and want to pay-it-forward]. Our definition of 'local communities' is: people of all ages, but with a special focus on elementary and middle school kids, who have a keen interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and in particular - the computing arts and science.<br />
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As a CSA member we want YOU to become YOUR neighborhood's, YOUR town's, YOUR school's science, math, engineering and technology activist and advocate.JohnnyBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13393886794286649053noreply@blogger.com0