Girls learn to code at ASMSA

For the past three Saturdays, girls in the eighth and ninth grades from around central Arkansas have learned about computer programming and hardware engineering as part of g1rls_c0de at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

The Women's Foundation of Arkansas, which promotes philanthropy among women and helps "women and girls achieve their full potential," funded the program, which was free to participants, through an $8,000 grant.

One of the foundation's primary goals is to encourage math, science and technology skills. ASMSA's director, Corey Alderdice, said he was thrilled to have WFA support.

Participants were allowed to keep the Raspberry Pi kits and keyboards they used in the program because of the WFA funding, which will allow them to keep learning and, organizers say, benefit others.

Donnie Sewell, public information specialist for ASMSA, said they wanted to hold the program because the number of female coders has gone down, but the need for coders in Arkansas has increased. Computer science has not been covered as well in most schools, because it is not a required course. He said he is hopeful because Gov. Asa Hutchinson is focused on improving computer science education in Arkansas. Hutchinson recently signed into law a measure requiring public high schools to offer courses in computer science.

Denise Gregory, ASMSA mathematics instructor, and Carl Frank, computer science instructor and president of the Arkansas Computer Science Teachers Association, led the program.

"It is about making them aware they can do this stuff," Frank said. He hopes that if younger students can be reached with computer science, they can learn easier, have fun and open up to new ideas.

Students at ASMSA assisted participants the first two Saturdays. Frank and Gregory both said the ASMSA students learned while they helped and also got excited about computers.

The Raspberry Pi computers are roughly the size of a deck of cards and run the Scratch programming language. During the program, the students were taught to create circuits, program, and add on additional tools, such as a camera. They also learned to work as both individuals and teams.

"I have learned a lot. I didn't even know what a Raspberry Pi was, but I am here and it is cool. It is really practical," said Meadow George, an eighth-grader from Cutter Morning Star Middle School.

The girls were given the chance to see women who use computer skills in their careers. Michelle Talley, a software engineer at Acxiom in Conway, and Stephanie Alderdice, a social media manager and content specialist at Kirby Williams and Co. in Hot Springs, spoke to the students.

Frank said he hopes ASMSA will offer the program again in the near future.

Local on 03/30/2015

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