Indiana CSPD Week 2025, organized by Nextech, brought together educators from across the state for a week of high-quality, hands-on professional learning in computer science. For one week, K-12 educators stepped out of their daily routines to deepen their computer science knowledge, share ideas with peers, and bring new tools back to their students.
It was a privilege for imagi to take part. We hosted two, 3-hour PD sessions and two informal evening learning sessions for attendees. In our workshop, called Creative Computer Science with Python and Pixel Art, educators explored programming concepts like variables, loops, and lists while designing their own pixel art projects.
The session was hands-on from the start: teachers wrote code in the imagiEdu platform, watched their programs unfold in real time on a digital 8×8 grid and the imagiCharms, and experimented with everything from color values to coordinate systems. For many, it was their first time coding in Python, and the moment their code lit up in color, the intimidation factor faded.
Creative Computer Science in Action
At CSPD Week 2025, imagi had the privilege of facilitating professional learning sessions where Indiana educators explored creative coding through hands-on activities rooted in real classroom practice. The reason these sessions were so impactful is because they addressed real-world challenges teachers face every day - limited time, lack of coding experience, and the pressure to engage every learner.
During our interactive workshop, teachers explored imagi’s hands-on coding platform, which helps students build Python skills through vibrant pixel art projects. Our curriculum, designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, makes it easier for teachers, regardless of prior CS experience, to introduce key programming concepts like:
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Variables and functions
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Loops and conditionals
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Lists and strings
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RGB color values and coordinate systems
If you’re nervous about teaching coding, imagi is a great way to get into Python quickly and easily - with support, since the AI is there to help troubleshoot your code.
- Teresa Vasquez, Art Education & Pre-Art Therapy Program Director at the University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Educators used the imagiEdu to write and run code in real time, watching their designs come to life on the digital 8×8 grid and the imagiCharm. Teachers are supported with classroom ready materials including:
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Editable Google Slides for direct instruction
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Scaffolded lesson plans aligned with core standards
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Differentiated pathways for Grades 3-5 and 6-8
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Optional unplugged activities to support diverse learners
One of the most powerful aspects of the session was the creative freedom teachers experienced as they designed their own digital charms. Many shared that the visual feedback and low barrier to entry made Python feel approachable and exciting - not only for students, but for themselves as educators.
To be able to see your program in lights, color, and motion right in front of you, in just a matter of minutes, that’s incredible.
- Teresa Vasquez, Art Education & Pre-Art Therapy Program Director at the University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
We appreciate Nextech’s leadership and their dedication to building a great community of Indiana educators. The week brought together free, high-quality, and deeply collaborative professional learning, and we were inspired by the creativity, curiosity, and commitment teachers showed to making computer science accessible for every student. We are grateful to have been part of that energy, and look forward to seeing its ripple effects carry into classrooms across the state this fall.
What’s Next: Continued PD & Collaboration
The energy from CSPDWeek doesn't stop in June. As we step into the new school year, imagi remains dedicated to supporting educators through meaningful, hands-on professional development.
This fall, we’re offering a series of free virtual workshops designed to build teacher confidence and spark classroom creativity through Python coding and AI literacy. Whether you're just starting with imagi or ready to deepen your integration of computer science across subjects, there’s something here for you.
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October 21, 2025 | 4:00-6:00 PM EST
Intermediate Creative & Cross-Curricular Coding in Python - Using Your imagiCharm 👉 Register here
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November 20, 2025 | 4:00-5:00 PM EST
Hour of AI Preparation: AI Literacy with imagi’s Debugging Buddy 👉 Register here
Each of the sessions, facilitated by Kelly Powers and Dora Palfi, are hands-on, free of charge, and designed with the classroom in mind, whether you’re just starting with Python or ready to explore new ways of weaving computer science across subjects.
Would you like to bring imagi PD to your district?
If you’re part of a school, district, or conference looking to bring fresh approaches to computer science learning, we’d be glad to join you, whether that means co-facilitating a session, sharing resources, or helping teachers discover new ways to make computer science creative and accessible.
Let’s keep the conversation going. You can reach us at hello@imagilabs.com.
