Wantagh High School Holds Fourth Annual TechDay

The fourth annual TechDay was held at Wantagh High School on Jan. 7, during which more than 120 district students in grades 5-12 expanded their knowledge of game design and programming, web development and mobile development. The goal of the event was to introduce and expand the students’ knowledge of computer science, a field expected to grow rapidly during the next decade.

TechDay co-founder Peter Mountanos explained that the TechDay team is comprised of district alumni who assist students in understanding the basic notions of how computers work and how they can be used. “Beyond just giving students a useful tool, we hoped to cultivate the joy and enthusiasm we ourselves feel for this rewarding approach to problem-solving,” said Mountanos, who is also a district alumnus and current board of education member.

Separated into small classes based on experience level, students learned web development by using HTML, CSS and JavaScript and built their own websites, which they can continue to work on after TechDay. They also utilized Scratch and Python, the basics of coding, to make computer games. In addition, students learned Android development and built their own Android project by remaking the popular app.

“Students who attended TechDay advanced their knowledge of existing and emerging computer technologies, making them better equipped for the future,” said Penny Curry, the district’s director of information systems and instructional technology.

Photos: Wantagh School District