Milwaukee To Host Students Demonstration Of Technology Skills On Day Of Code

From Milwaukee Public Schools:

December 19, 2019

Milwaukee To Host Students Demonstration Of Technology Skills On Day Of Code

From robotic vacuum cleaners to the latest video games, computerized technology all depends upon coded instructions to operate properly. MPS students showed off their knowledge and know-how of computer coding and other technology on the MPS Day of Code, December 16, 2019.

During Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week), December 9–15, 2019, student ambassadors from MPS schools took part in presentations and demonstrations at MPS Central Services. Staff and visitors stopped by to learn about technology taught in MPS schools. CSEd Week is promoted by Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding computer science education.

Students walked adult staff through coding demonstrations and invited them to try simple coding exercises, such as writing instructions to move a robot through a maze. Notably, participating students were about evenly split between boys and girls. The computer science industry is proactively engaging with girls to explore coding as a career path.

Golda Meir student Henry was eager to demonstrate illuminated garments that were part of a Halloween costume. Along with his dad, he installed strings of Neopixel lights on his sleeves and pant legs, then wrote the code to change the colors and patterns of the lights. He hopes to have a career in computer software one day, and is off to a great start.

“Computer science as a career field is wide open,” said Tina Gleason, science teacher at Golda Meir School. “I’m very excited to be able to encourage students to explore areas that will lead to in-demand technology jobs. They love hands-on learning like working with robots, 3D printers, laser engravers, and more.”

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 are increasing 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.

This press release was produced by Milwaukee Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.