Computer coding is a universal language and is designed to see technology in a whole new light. Knowing how to code enables communication across communities, countries and cultures. Coding is a type of storytelling or as Idit Harel, CEO and founder of Globaloria describes it, “Coding is the new writing.”
The community is an important stage for youth development and by ensuring the availability of non-school youth activities, such as coding, helps children become innovative with no barriers to impede their success. Grenfell Campus was pleased to partner with organizations such as College of the North Atlantic (CNA), Community Youth Networks (CYNs), and the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) in offering coding camps to youth where they will learn endless ways of coding and solving problems that will inspire them to grow and think in a more “out of the box” way.
There are an increasing number of businesses that integrate computer coding into day-to-day operations. Burning Glass Technologies, a global job market analytics firm, reports that nearly 7 million jobs openings in the US in 2015 indicated coding as a valuable skill.
A condensed version of GO Engagement’s popular “Digital Creators: Coding” camp moved to a number of locations in western Newfoundland and Labrador. To give students in rural areas exposure to computer coding, the “A Bit of Code” workshop took place in six regions: Channel-Port aux Basques, Stephenville, Ramea, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. Anthony and Baie Verte. Students will participate in half or full day workshops with a faculty member from Grenfell’s computational mathematics program.
