Movement gets students interested in computer science
Source: John Chapman
Across the country, more than a half million computing jobs are available in almost every field. Now, a non-profit called AIM is working to introduce Council Bluffs, Iowa students to computer science.
During Computer Science Week, Wilson Middle School students took part in the Hour of Code, a global movement to build technological talent. Those at AIM hope to get more people involved in tech careers.
"Because there are huge opportunities. There's huge salaries and it's something our economy needs and the company in this community needs," said Dr. Kandace Miller with AIM.
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching over 100 million students in over 180 countries.
Ana Gonzalez is one of about 200 students who are working in this class; she's been doing it for two years.
"I really thought it would be nice to try something new and something that I got out of it. It's really fun and sometimes I do it at home because it really interests me," said Gonzalez.
Learning about computer science can be more than fun, it can be a career. Erin Lasiter worked with AIM for 13 years. Her career started when she went through classes and sharpened her skills. Lasiter is now a vice president with the organization.
"It did, it did. It's amazing the doors it can open and what you can do and how it's not the traditional world that you thought it was. So many opportunities in all walks of life. Now technology is touching things," Lasiter said.
Learning computer programs and how to make one machine talk to another machine might be fun and could be a career for the students but what they learn, most likely, will be a part of their lives in the near future.
"They need to at least have an idea of what it is and be able to speak that language, regardless of whether or not they're sitting and writing code. They're going to be using technology in some shape of form," said Lasiter.
This program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education through AIM Institute. Computer Science Education Week ran from December 5th through the 11th.
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