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I

The Role Of Computer Science And Technology:

 

Drones are spraying disinfectants where humans are unable to go. Bionic arms are injecting medicine into patients at hospitals. Robocops are roaming the streets to ensure people are social distancing. These aren’t from a Sci-Fi movie, they’re from our current reality!

So, what’s the common thread here? Robots are ubiquitous now. And coding is the invisible super power that’s powering them. Together with robots, we humans seem to be operating as a collective community on a daily basis.

But, let’s face it. Even before the Pandemic, our reliance on technology was undeniable.

COVID has simply accelerated our daily interactions with it. We’re increasingly relying on our shopping, educational and work needs on the infrastructure of Machine Learning, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.

 

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II

The Education and Training Gap:

 

Here’s how things were at the beginning of the year 2020 in the state of Georgia. The distance between High School skill sets and hi-tech job requirements in the market place was growing. Less than 0.5 percent of high school graduates were taking a computer science course in Georgia. And there are thousands of unfulfilled computer science jobs in the state. Now, with every industry going virtual for the most part, there’s a greater demand for Machine Learners.

So, how can we get our children started on their own Digital Literacy journey? Here’s how:

Coding is the decision-making tool with which we communicate with a computing device. “Coders, people who know how to code, only make one third of 1% of the human population on earth.”
– Source: Global Developer Population & Demographic 2019.

 

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III

The Future Of Education: 

 

Starting to wonder about what the future holds is not something a 7-year-old needs to do. But, here’s what educators and parents need to understand if we must build a whole child. Studies say 65% of current grade school children in the US will end up at jobs that haven’t been invented yet.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills & Society for Human Resource Management identifies the top four critical skill that the 21st Century Workforce needs.

* Creativity
* Communication
* Teamwork / Collaboration
* Critical Thinking / Problem Solving

So, transforming a grade school child into a good global citizen will require us to help them learn skills like Adaptability, Agility, Analyzing and using their Imagination without fear of judgement.

 

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IV

Curriculum Should Be Designed To Empower:

 

Most of our work as teachers of Robotics and Coding isn’t even teaching children the actual semantics and the syntax. It’s about showing them that we believe in their ability to solve any challenge at hand.

Our curriculum must ensure that they understand the real world application of the solution they’ve just created. And most importantly, they realize the ethics and the potential for a positive impact of their contributions.

In class, we must set expectations early on that children are responsible for their projects and homework. This improves self-advocacy and focus management, two important life skills, that help kids develop the confidence to navigate real life challenges on their own.

Our curriculum must be aimed at raising 21st Century Computational Thinkers and Achievers:

Teaching while preserving: Imagination, Wonder and Creativity

Teaching while raising the bar on: Grit, Resilience, Collaboration, Perseverance, Goal setting and Decision making.

There are two aspects to Computational Thinking:    

1. Learning the concepts and gathering the intelligence &
2. The actual task of performing problem solving.

 

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V

Ask Children The Right Questions:

 

Gone are the days when we asked kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. Times have changed and so have the definitions of what job or a profession means. Life around us is changing at an exponential speed and the jobs are kids are going to be doing have not been invented yet.

It will help children to learn creative problem solving, computational thinking, and self efficacy to take on challenges that are bothering our society. And to navigate whatever uncertainty that comes their way and to be employable.

They must be able to answer questions of what skills, and abilities they will need to solve problems. And how they will partner and negotiate with others. And how they will decide on what problems they want to solve. They must be able to understand their strengths, passions and talents. And how they plan to sustain their growth and momentum in their daily life.

 

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VI

Our Future In Space: 

 

In the end, whatever way our children choose to use their Computer Science Education, its upto them. But, its upto us to remember that their best lessons will come

The best education happens outside of classrooms. Stay engaged with your child and help them understand the real life applications of how coding is going to be used in the jobs of the future. Teach them what she’s learning now and its relevance to the future, so they can find meaning in what they’re learning. And stay longer on that journey without giving up. Soon, the Space X rocket might take the men into space. Behold that spectacular and make that into a learning moment.

There are soooo many coders behind this project! :)

Parents, let’s empower our children to be creators rather than consumers! Are you ready to raise 21st Century computational thinkers and coders?

 

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VII

Introducing The World Of Education Technology:

 

Below are a few of our most popular Coding and Robotics courses. Join us as we walk into the future!!

 

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Virtual Reality Vex Robotics: Grades 1 – 4

No Robot, No Problem! 

Use the power of block coding to move and lift using Virtual Robots in 3D! 

Learn how to move, turn, lift a virtual robot in 3D using coding skills! This is the future and its here!!

Scratch Coding and Game Design: Grades 2 – 7

Beginner, Advanced and Expert Courses!

Kids will create games on Scratch and Code.org and share it with their friends!

Learn to CODE LIKE OUR AWESOME STUDENTS!!!

Learn how to remotely control a virtual robot.

Understand the real world applications of movement and sensors and the benefits of robotics.

Work on 10 projects involving decision making, repeat and control flow logic and search & rescue missions!

Learn to Program Using Python: Grades 4 – 9

Learn the fundamentals of the Python programming language, along with programming best practices.

Learn to represent and store data using Python data types and variables, and use conditionals and loops to control the flow of your programs.

Create animation while learning about coding elements like lists, sets, dictionaries, and tuples to store collections of related data!!

Open Your Mind, Grow Your Brain!

1. Children take ownership of their own learning. They will receive weekly emails for labs and homework.
2. Children feel empowered to create and share and not just consume what’s out there.

Build Your Potential. BECOME UNSTOPPABLE!

FREE Coding & Gaming Resources: 

Questions, just ask!

Text or Call: 678.310.5025 | Email: info@futurestrongacademy.com

Bringing a Group? Email us for a special price!

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