All About Ms. GansOver the last two years, as I have spent time working closely with other computer science professionals, I have come to appreciate the magnitude of our vision to ensure computer science education for all. I have also come to realize that an important component to a CS education is the need to educate students (and parents) about the crucial role technology plays in society. In particular, I want them to experience how computing can be more than a media and entertainment outlet. It can be a tool for change.
Recent studies have shown that, by the time they are 8 years old, 60% of children have used handheld games, 81% have played console games, and 90% have used a computer. While on the surface, these numbers may be a cause for celebration, I would argue that in today’s techno savvy world, this emphasis on gaming is short-sighted. For example, last December, I participated in the global event, Random Hacks of Kindness. It was an eye-opening experience. Working with other computer professionals and humanitarians showed me how the two can come together to create technical solutions for social good. Looking to duplicate that experience for the K-8 population, I organized Random Hacks of Kindness Junior (www.rhok.org/event/rhok-junior). |