CS4NE

Guy Trainin

The show focuses on providing practical insights, resources, and strategies for K-12 educators looking to integrate computer science (CS) into their curriculum, while also addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in Nebraska's educational landscape.

  1. JAN 19

    Episode 28 - Cyber Hygiene and Cybersecurity Classroom Activities

    In this episode of CS4NE, Kimberly Ingraham-Beck shares engaging classroom activities focused on password security, cyber hygiene, and real-world data breaches. She walks through tools like Security.org’s password checker and HaveIBeenPwned to help students explore password strength and understand the risks of reused or weak passwords. Using hands-on experiments, visualizations, and discussions, Kimberly demonstrates how to help students grasp why length and uniqueness matter more than symbols alone, and how breaches often occur without users doing anything wrong. These activities empower students to protect themselves online and spark meaningful conversations about cybersecurity.

    11 min

  2. JAN 17

    Episode 27 - Teaching Encryption with Fun Activities

    In this episode of CS4NE, Kimberly Ingraham-Beck and Guy Trainin explore fun and engaging ways to teach encryption in the classroom. They showcase a range of hands-on activities, including a murder mystery puzzle using classic ciphers like Pigpen, Polybius Square, Atbash, and Caesar. The episode also highlights Code.org resources and widgets for teaching the Vigenère and random substitution ciphers, encouraging students to both decode and create their own messages. Designed to build foundational cybersecurity and problem-solving skills, these lessons make encryption accessible, meaningful, and fun for all grade levels.

    15 min

  3. JAN 16

    Episode 26 - Fun Assignments

    In this episode of CS4NE, Kimberly Ingraham-Beck and Guy Trainin share quick, engaging activities for computer science classrooms—perfect for short class periods or days before school breaks. They discuss a digital escape room from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, a hands-on binary bingo game that reinforces number systems, and the interactive “AI for Oceans” activity from Code.org, which introduces students to machine learning. Each resource is low-prep, highly engaging, and adaptable for various grade levels, promoting computational thinking in creative ways.

    10 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    Episode 25 - Elementary CS with Special Guest Dr. Paul Clark

    In this episode of CS4NE, hosts Guy Trainin and Kimberly Ingraham-Beck speak with retired elementary teacher and UNO instructor Paul Clark about his lifelong passion for integrating technology and robotics into the classroom. Paul reflects on his 40+ years in education, from the early days of Apple II computers to hands-on projects with 3D printers, micro:bits, and custom-designed robots. He shares how creativity, curiosity, and collaboration shaped his teaching philosophy, and how keeping a sense of childlike wonder helped him connect with students. The episode emphasizes the value of experiential learning and empowering students through technology.

    10 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    Episode 24 - Nebraska Department of Education Updates with Special Guest Shaun Young

    In this episode of CS4NE, Kimberly Ingraham-Beck interviews Shaun Young from the Nebraska Department of Education about the state’s efforts to support computer science education. Shaun shares updates on professional development initiatives with CodeHS, the new 6-credit supplemental endorsement for computer science, and upcoming revisions to standards and annual reporting requirements. The conversation highlights the state's progress toward meeting the CS graduation requirement and the resources available to help teachers succeed.

    4 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    Episode 23 - Physical Computing in the CS Classroom with Special Guest Abby Langner

    In this episode of CS4NE, hosts Kimberly Ingraham-Beck and Guy Trainin interview Abby Langner from Westside High School about the power of physical computing in the computer science classroom. Abby explains how tools like robots, micro:bits, and peripherals can help students engage in hands-on learning that connects coding to real-world applications. She offers practical advice for teachers looking to get started, including how to choose devices, manage costs, and align activities with curriculum and safety considerations. The episode highlights how physical computing enhances student motivation, creativity, and deeper understanding of CS concepts.

    18 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Episode 21 - Top 3 Reasons Learning CS Matters with Guy Trainin

    In this solo episode of CS4NE, Dr. Guy Trainin addresses the growing question: “Why teach computer science in the age of AI?” He presents three compelling reasons—understanding the AI-driven world, gaining cross-disciplinary skills, and developing essential computational thinking. Guy explains that while AI can assist with code generation, deep understanding of coding, algorithms, and data remains critical for meaningful interaction with technology. The episode makes a strong case for continuing CS education to empower students as informed, ethical, and capable contributors in an increasingly AI-integrated society.

    4 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    Episode 20 - Cybersecurity with Kim Ingraham-Beck

    In this solo episode of CS4NE, host Kimberly Ingraham-Beck shares her journey into cybersecurity education and why it has become one of her biggest passions. She highlights the critical demand for cybersecurity professionals, explores free classroom-ready resources from Cyber.org, TeachCyber.org, and CodeHS, and recommends professional learning opportunities like free bootcamps and certificates. With practical tips for both new and experienced teachers, Kimberly encourages educators to integrate cybersecurity into their curriculum and inspire the next generation of digital defenders.

    3 min
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About

The show focuses on providing practical insights, resources, and strategies for K-12 educators looking to integrate computer science (CS) into their curriculum, while also addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in Nebraska's educational landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Guy Trainin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Guy Trainin
  • Show Website
    CS4NE