Instructional Technology

Computer Science and Deeper Learning

Computer Science in Elementary Education

In Virginia and across the nation, employers struggle to fill computer programming jobs. Meanwhile, our nation and the world face substantial problems relating to topics such as economic growth, health, education, and the environment. One of the many challenges relating to successfully addressing these problems is the scarcity of individuals with strong computer programming skills and knowledge. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students will complete engaging computer science integration lessons using block-based coding and text-based coding to develop a foundation of computer programming skills. The students will program various robots to solve real-world problems or as a means of creative expression.

LCPS created a new department in 2020 to support educators to integrate computer science and computational thinking in all content areas in elementary schools.  For additional information on computer science education in LCPS, visit the Computer Science Department.

You may also visit the VDOE Computer Science Standards page to learn more about the statewide standards.

Deeper Learning in LCPS

In Loudoun County, we utilize many strategies and approaches to authentic and deeper learning.  These include personalized learning (PL), project-based learning (PBL), the 5 Cs of a Profile of a Graduate, computational thinking skills (CT), and performance assessments (PA). 

Mrs. Christy Hollar

Mrs. Christy Hollar

Email Christy Hollar

I am the Instructional Facilitator of Technology for Round Hill Elementary School.  I live in Round Hill, VA, and have taught at RHES for 11 years now.  I am a mother of four (Ben, who is teaching third grade at Mountain View; Reagan, who works at the Research Lab at UVA as a Mechanical Engineering Research Engineer; Tommy, who is a Third Year Cadet at USMA at WestPoint; and Gracelynn, who is attending Northern Virginia Community College for teaching) and am married to Mike, a Computer Software Engineer.  We have two crazy dogs, Lucy and Whiskey.

I have been fascinated by all types of technology in the classroom for years.  I have attended and spoken at multiple EdTech Conferences, including Inspire Loudoun, the state conference VCEC, and the national conference FETC. My first year as an IFT introduced me to hosting both virtual and in-person Computer Science Showcases. These last two years, I worked with other IFTs in our county to host Inspire Loudoun, an instructional technology conference for any LCPS educators.  My main role is to coach educators on new technologies and to constantly explore what's new.  I have enjoyed challenging our students independently to learn about a few creative platforms with the intent of broadening their skills for future projects in their classrooms.  Students can find new challenges throughout the year via the Morning Show and through Schoology.

Our school is dedicated to Deeper Learning, and I am focused on using the technologies available to us to help children deepen their learning experiences here at Round Hill Elementary.