AUGUST 27 — Albany — Computers are moving from old-style desks and tablets to ubiquitous devices in our pockets and purses for work, information, and play, and the future of computers. The idea seems to be sticking.
Growth in this industry could be fueled by students in Doherty County, where the school system has begun training potential future tech employees.
This week, the first group of about 150 middle school students began their introduction to computer coding. Approximately 600 students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will be immersed in this technology throughout the school year.
“We started an initiative in Doherty County where we want every K-12 student to be immersed in a computer science or coding program,” said the system’s secondary science content coordinator. says Michelle Sizemore.
The school system has partnered with Ed Farm, an Alabama-based nonprofit that promotes innovative educational methods, and is working with Albany State University to teach the foundations of a secure information systems curriculum. It has also entered into a partnership with Apple, with the system providing laptops and tablets to all students, and the computer giant also providing system support his staff his members.
Much like robot building programs at every level of the school system, computer coding classes focus on problem solving. This is a valuable skill when seeking employment, whether in computer technology or any other field.
Through the task-based learning that the curriculum is built on, “[students]study a problem and how to use technology, apps and devices to actually solve that problem,” she said. “Then they actually[develop]a solution for the community.”
One of the launch group’s tasks is to develop an “iPad Survival Guide”. This guide provides tips for skills such as taking screenshots for all students using these devices.
“They are creating tutorial videos for distribution in school systems,” says Sizemore.
Coding is a new concept for most middle school students, but the idea is to start there and expand the program over time. His two middle schools in the system will continue after that, and his two other middle schools are preparing as well.
Some students were introduced to coding during summer camp, and most are familiar with iPads.
After-school programs are also planned for the future, and Superintendent Kenneth Dyer is also pushing the initiative, Sizemore said.
“Albany Middle School and Merry Acres already have classes to continue this course of study in computer science,” she said. “An after-school program means a coding cloud. plans to make it part of the school system.
“Nearly every career you can think of these days has a computer science and coding aspect to it.”
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