Computer Science Week 2025: Finding Confidence in the Age of AI

It’s undeniable that technology, and AI in particular, is changing the educational landscape. A few years ago, coding was the focus of computer science lessons. Now, AI is shaping the future, and helping students understand how it works is essential if they are to thrive in a technology-driven world.

So, what does this mean for computer science? AI is now a core part of lesson content, but it can’t be taught in isolation. It needs to sit within a broader, well-rounded curriculum. For many educators, this is new territory, so teaching it can feel challenging.

Fortunately, nationwide events such as Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) are a great opportunity for reflection, learning and growth. CSEdWeek encourages us to rethink what it means to teach computer science and to critically evaluate the “system-level” challenges faced in classrooms, including the steps administrators can take to support teachers.

The 2025 theme, “CS Powers AI Innovation,” supports this goal. Alongside coding, this year’s focus is on helping teachers build their confidence so they can adapt, integrate, and inspire students amid rapid technological change.

In this blog, we’ll recap CSEdWeek is about and highlight the importance of computer science. We’ll also suggest practical strategies to help educators build their confidence when teaching AI in computer science.

What is CSEdWeek?

CSEdWeek (8-14 December) is “an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners to the field.”¹

Launched in 2009, CSEdWeek highlights the role computer science plays in innovation, problem-solving and digital literacy—essential skills in all subjects—and works to ensure all students have access to this foundational knowledge.

This year, however, the conversation around computer science is shifting. Coding is no longer the only topic on the agenda. Instead, CSEdWeek invites educators to take a broader view and consider what it means to understand and confidently teach a world now shaped by AI.

The Hour of Code becomes the Hour of AI

Code.org recently shifted its Hour of Code into an Hour of AI—reinforcing the importance of AI in education and marking a pivotal moment in the world of computer science. Building on the success of the Hour of Code, the updated initiative now focuses on AI literacy and helping students understand responsible usage. While separate from CSEdWeek, both movements share a common goal: to help students and educators understand, use and create with AI.

As the conversation around AI grows louder, teachers understandably have questions. “Is computer science still relevant now that AI can write code?” or “How do we teach students to think computationally when machines can do so much of the work?” If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This confusion is, in part, because CSTA standards haven’t changed since 2017 and don’t yet fully account for AI literacy. Forthcoming revisions to these standards planned for summer 2026 will almost assuredly close this gap, but in the meantime it’s understandable that educators are struggling to see where and how AI fits into a computer science curriculum.

This uncertainty only underscores the importance of ensuring educators feel confident in teaching a rapidly changing field. Fortunately, a teacher’s role is as crucial now as it ever was. While AI changes the way we teach, educators remain essential for teaching critical thinking skills, something machines cannot do.

Why Computer Science Still Matters

Tucker et al (2003) define computer science as “The study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their [implementation], and their impact on society.”² It is a vast and multifaceted subject, teaching essential skills such as algorithms, logic, problem-solving, and data understanding.

However, some educators are unsettled, questioning the relevance of computer science in the AI era, but the opposite is true. Never has it been more critical. Yes, AI plays a role, but it is one part of a larger whole. It is not separate from computer science, nor can it replace the importance of a solid computer science education. In fact, educators must prepare students for the future with the relevant knowledge and skills required to thrive in an AI world. According to Baskin (2025), “This is only possible with a foundational computer science education.”³

Computer science isn’t just about coding or memorization. It’s about helping students understand how technology works so they can think critically, ask questions and create responsibly. Beyond technical skills, it also has a broader role in society. It teaches computational thinking, digital citizenship and essential transferable skills such as reasoning, ethics, creativity, and perseverance, while fostering equity, creativity, and collaboration.

Yet, only half of the country’s schools offer computer science courses⁴, an alarming statistic given the future- and career-ready skills taught in the subject. If we want students to “develop mastery in computing, instruction must start in elementary and extend through high school.”⁴ It needs to be a core subject.

The good news is that CSEdWeek supports the drive for computer science awareness. It reinforces the subject’s necessity and underscores its role in preparing students for a technology-driven world. Computer science isn’t just another box to tick; it gives students power, not just as consumers of technology but as creators who can shape it in the future.

The Confidence Gap: Supporting Teachers in an Evolving Field

80% of teachers believe AI is a core part of computer science⁵, however, many feel they “don’t know enough” about computer science or AI to teach it. Fortunately, this is a solvable challenge.

While there are systemic barriers in place, including unclear standards and curricula, insufficient training and a lack of resources, there are steps educators can take to build their confidence. But just as we say to our students, confidence takes time to build. It grows through community, practice and play, not perfection.

If you’re unsure of where to start, LEGO Education’s CSEdWeek toolkit includes 3 simple, hands-on activities for varying levels of expertise that you can do with your students using classroom supplies, craft materials, or any LEGO bricks you have on hand. So, whether you’re new to teaching computer science or already a pro, there are lots of simple and effective ways to get started.

Remember, confidence doesn’t come from knowing all the answers; it comes from curiosity and a willingness to learn alongside others.

Looking Ahead: Building a Confident Future Through Computer Science

CSEdWeek is fun and exciting, but it’s also a reminder for educators to evolve and seek out new knowledge so they can lead their students into the future. Because when teachers feel confident and empowered in presenting their lesson content, students thrive.

AI is changing how we think, learn and teach. As educators, we have a responsibility to show students what’s possible in computer science and to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive in a technology-powered world. The good news is that teachers have nothing to fear. As a professional body, we can also be confident that, no matter how much technology advances, young minds will always need a human presence in the classroom.

We hope you join us this CSEdWeek to explore LEGO® Education’s resources and bring computer science and AI into the classroom with confidence.