AVON, Ohio - What to many is still a mysterious process, Tech Corps teaches coding and creating computer applications (apps) for elementary, middle school and high school students.
Avon middle school students in grades six through eight finished a week of Tech Corps' technology summer camp on June 30.
Alexis Crosby, northeast Ohio regional director for the Columbus based non-profit organization, has managed the technology programs for the company for the past three years. She said, "Tech Corps is devoted to making sure K-12 students have equal access to technology skills and resources that enhance learning and prepare the students for college as well as a future career."
According to their web site, Tech Corps programs "are not computer literacy programs but instead programs that empower students to become active creators and designers with technology versus passive consumers and users."
About 100 Lorain County students from six school districts are participating in their choice of four weeks' worth of different technology camps in June and July. Topics include robotics, programming, cyber-security, Android app development, 3D printing and web development. Locations include Avon middle school and Elyria high school, as well as locations in Mentor, Brecksville and Cleveland.
Developing an app was the program for students at Avon middle school. "Developing an app is about solving problems," said Crosby. "It could also be about providing something for someone else--something to solve problems affecting their world."
Crosby said students may choose to develop an app for their phone, a game for others to play on their phones or, if they like music, create a musical app. As an example, a musical app, said Crosby, might allow for photos of various instruments. By tapping one of the photos music plays from that particular instrument.
Seventeen out of a possible 20 students finished the week. Some created rather complex apps, according to Crosby. "One student in grade seven created a Pac Man app where the level of coding was pretty sophisticated. As a result, she created a launching pad perhaps for other things different from other apps out there."
"Our students use technology every day," said Crosby. "Most students will do so before their second birthday. However, research shows they don't understand what it means to be makers and creators of technology, or the opportunities available to have careers in technology. I believe that's where programs like Techie Camp come in. Techie Camp provides a safe space for students to explore, learn, and create. As we rely more and more on technology in our everyday lives, it is crucial that young people understand how they can positively impact the world around them using technology."
The current camps began on June 5 and run until July 31. Applications are still being accepted though there is a waiting list. Students must apply for the camps on the company's web site: www.techcorps.org. With support from the Nordson Corporation Foundation, the Avon middle school program is free, according to the web site.
Tech Corps currently holds Techie camps in four states: Ohio, Rhode Island, Georgia and New Jersey.