Everywhere you go, people can be seen walking down the street with a cellphone in hand or looking at their laptop at a local coffee shop. Jobs are now asking for computer skills, many times much more advanced than individuals were taught in school.
Moorestown Township Public Schools value science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and recognize that whatever field students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works.
George C. Baker Elementary School held a short assembly on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for its third graders to kick off a learning event based on technology, specifically computers, called the Hour of Code. During the assembly, parent volunteers discussed their field of computer science with the children, as well as the importance of “unplugging” and collaborating with others. After the assembly, students learned and interacted with code in their computer class.
“Computers are everywhere and their usage will only continue to grow … STEM is very important in our schools. There are a lot of activities for all levels. We wanted to start at the elementary level, laying the foundation. Those who are inspired at an early age will continue to do it,” computer teacher Mark Ambrosino said.
The Hour of Code is a global event during Computer Science Week, Dec. 7 to 11, where millions of children from around the world complete coding activities to engage students and promote computer science in schools. The Hour of Code shows children that coding isn’t a scary experience and anyone can do it.
“We want students to get the computer to do what they want it to do, not what others have done for them. Many people are afraid of computers, but they are just tools. If you learn how they work and control them, you can really push your imagination,” Ambrosino said.
MTPS decided to host Hour of Code in its elementary schools last year because STEM is held very highly in the district.
During the assembly, parents Eric Mauger and Dr. Joanne Broder Sumerson talked about the importance of computer science in career fields and life, as well as stepping away from the computer or “unplugging.”
For the week, students learned about plugged and unplugged activities. Students used Code.org to manipulate well-known characters from Minecraft and Star Wars using codes to complete different tasks.
“(Coding) is great. I like learning about code … It’s good to know because you use it a lot in school and in life,” third grader Tyler Mark said.
Unplugged activities were in the students’ challenge classes where students had to collaborate and solve puzzles and games without a computer. Students used pencil and paper as well as communicated with each other to accomplish those tasks.
“It is important to unplug because you need your sleep and to get stronger,” third grader Anna LeGrazie said.
“It is important to learn about computers and also when to walk away. (Students) need to learn to collaborate and talk, not lose that valuable skill,” Ambrosino said.
Students will continue to learn and use coding throughout December.
The biggest thing Ambrosino hopes students take away from learning coding and other computer and technology skills is confidence. He feels being confidence is very rewarding.
“I hope when they look at a challenge, they’ll see it as not difficult, but a journey to grow and be stronger. It is an awesome feeling. When they are struggling and then finally figure out how to do it, they get excited and feel good about it. I want them to see that they can do this,” Ambrosino said.
