CSTA 2025 has over 200 sessions dedicated to expanding knowledge in CS education. Putting together your conference schedule can be overwhelming, which is why the CSTA 2025 Conference Committee has made specific recommendations based on what you may be looking for. Here are five sessions that high school educators won’t want to miss.
Teach an AI to Play Pong
July 11, 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Workshop presented by Chris Maissan
In this workshop, we demystify neural networks and machine learning through a hands-on activity. In the first part of the workshop, participants will recreate the classic game of Pong using JavaScript and the Kid.js framework. We’ll cover essential JavaScript concepts—including functions, variables, events, and properties—and share strategies to keep students engaged. Once the game is complete, we’ll create and train a neural network to play autonomously. We’ll explain fundamental neural network concepts, covering structure and training methods, and identify the inputs and outputs needed for our game. If time allows, we’ll add a second paddle to enable “Human vs. Machine” gameplay. Using Kid.js’s visualization tools, participants will get an inside look at how the neural network trains and operates. Finally, we’ll discuss strategies for assessing student understanding, including questions like “Where else could a neural network be used?” and “What specific inputs and outputs might be needed in different cases?” We’ll share additional resources and explore how this activity could fit into a larger unit on neural networks and AI. The workshop follows the activity outlined in detail here: https://kidjs.app/activities/pong-ai.
Partnering with AI for Learning: Enhancing Coding and Debugging Skills in the Classroom
July 8, 3:30 PM-4:30 PM ET
Breakout session presented by Katie O’Shea
As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, it’s crucial for K–12 educators to equip students with skills that will shape their future. In this session, we will explore how AI, specifically tools like ChatGPT, is changing coding practices and how teachers can use AI-generated code to enhance student learning through debugging practice. Using interactive examples and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to guide students in debugging AI-generated code, which in turn fosters critical thinking, problem solving, and resilience.
Coding for a Cause: CS Education for Social Impact
July 10, 3:10 PM-3:30 PM ET
Mini session presented by Brad DeFauw and Katie O’Shea
This presentation explores the potential of computer science education to drive positive social change. We’ll share real-world examples of how CS has been used to address pressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges. By equipping students with the skills and mindset to create technology-based solutions, we can empower them to make a meaningful impact on their communities and the world. This talk will also highlight the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and ethical considerations in tech education. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking, computer science can serve as a catalyst for addressing global challenges, creating a more equitable future, and building sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Addressing Your Expert Perspective and Implicit Assumptions in CS Education
July 9, 10:30 AM-11:30 AM ET
Breakout session presented by Khye Borg Liew
Despite best efforts, CS educators can have biases and assumptions that hinder the success of individual students and the well-being of the overall classroom. Such pedagogical knowledge gaps include making baseless assumptions about students’ pre-existing knowledge, underestimating the proficiency gap between instructor and students, over- or underestimating students’ level of understanding, and misusing professional experience to cloud pedagogical decisions. Fortunately, there are effective tools to help CS educators identify, respond to, and overcome these challenges.
This interactive and engaging session will introduce participants to the concept of professional knowledge gaps through the lens of CS education. We’ll examine examples of professional knowledge gaps “fails” in CS, then participate in a collaborative and thoughtful group session to identify such fails and prevent them from occurring in our own classrooms and the broader educational ecosystem. Designed to promote honest and constructive dialogue among participants and facilitators, this session equips educators with new tools to positively transform their perspectives and their classrooms.
From Numbers to Stories: Creating Visualizations with Introductory Python & R
July 10, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM ET
Breakout session presented by Zarifa Zakaria and James Harr
Empower your students to tell powerful data stories through code! This hands-on mini-session helps middle and high school educators introduce their students to foundational data visualization concepts using Python and R. Through guided exploration of real-world datasets relevant to teen interests (social media trends, climate patterns, sports statistics), participants will learn essential programming concepts while creating professional-quality visualizations. Students will progress from basic plots to interactive visualizations, applying computational thinking skills to transform raw data into compelling visual narratives. The session implements research-backed pedagogical approaches including pair programming, worked examples, and scaffolded challenges. Participants will leave with concrete deliverables: working code templates in both R and Python, a portfolio-ready visualization project, and access to carefully curated datasets and tutorials for continued learning. Teachers will also receive curriculum integration guides aligned with CSTA standards. By focusing on immediate visual feedback and creative expression, this approach makes programming concepts accessible while building confidence in computational thinking.
Register for CSTA 2025
Be sure to head to the full conference program to read more about these recommendations and plan which sessions you want to attend. If you haven’t registered for the annual conference yet, head to the CSTA 2025 website to secure your spot. We are excited to see you there!