Thursday, December 10, 2020
What is code? Even the simplest computerized technology is not much more than a pile of parts without complex code to provide instructions that make it operate. On December 8, 2020, MPS students showed off their coding skills and brought the process to life through a virtual Day of Code.
During Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week), December 7–13, 2020, student ambassadors from MPS schools offered presentations and demonstrations for students and staff in MPS. Visitors to the event learned about technology taught in MPS schools. CSEd Week is promoted by Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding computer science education.
Students provided coding demonstrations and talked about their experiences with coding. The emcee for the event was Nadiyah Johnson, graduate of Rufus King High School and founder of The Milky Way Tech Hub and Jet Constellations. The computer science industry is proactively engaging with girls and people of color to explore coding as a career path, and Johnson is one of those leading the way.
“Computer science offers unlimited potential as a career field,” said Michelle Taylor, a teacher at Congress School in MPS. “Computer science influences all aspects of our lives. I’m excited when students realize how many items in daily life depend upon computers—televisions, toasters, SMART Boards, cars, buses—because they start asking how and why.”
The complete Day of Code event is available for viewing on the MPS YouTube page.
MPS has a wide range of technology and computer science classes available to students, including a one-to-one Chromebook ratio in schools. In addition, technology spaces have increased across the district and include makerspaces, Fab Labs, culinary arts labs, robotics labs, and more.
Families are encouraged to inquire about technology available in schools and to learn more about individual school offerings by contacting school sites for a personal tour. Explore MPS schools at mpsmke.com.