Moraga Library’s Revolutionary Approach to Coding Education
In a bold initiative to democratize programming skills, the Moraga Library recently partnered with the eSTEAM Computer Science Club to host two weeks of incredibly engaging coding workshops. The workshops, which focused on Scratch and Python, marked a significant milestone in making coding accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience.
A Dive into Scratch
The Scratch workshop was split into beginner and advanced classes, catering to the diverse skill levels of participants. One standout instructor was Jayin Joshi, a motivated tenth grader from Campolindo High School, who took on teaching the advanced group. He shared, “It was fun watching the kids make their projects and grow with new concepts.” This sentiment truly resonates with the core of what education should embody: growth and creativity.
Meanwhile, Brian Harrison, also a tenth grader, guided the novice learners through the fundamentals of Scratch. His passion for teaching was evident as he stated, “I’m incredibly proud of them.” Witnessing students grasp new concepts so quickly can be a rewarding experience for any educator, especially in a field as rapidly evolving as technology.
Each day was packed with hands-on projects, culminating in a Show-and-Tell presentation on the final day. Parents gathered, filled with anticipation, to witness their children’s achievements. One young participant gleefully exclaimed, “I am so happy that I now have a coding family.” This reflects one of the most essential benefits of such initiatives: the nurturing of a supportive community.
The Python Journey
The excitement continued with a week-long Python workshop led by none other than Sara Harrison, an eighth grader from Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School. The challenge of crafting a cohesive curriculum was not lost on her as she remarked, “It was challenging to write the curriculum because we had to fit so many topics into a weeklong workshop. But it was rewarding to see how much everyone learned!” Such pursuits illustrate the dedication young educators bring to their communities.
Sara’s commitment was complemented by the support of contributing teaching assistants like Guy Sandler and Evie Napolitan, who made sure each student received personalized guidance. Their combined efforts culminated in a memorable learning experience for all, showcasing the power of teamwork in education.
The parents were not just passive observers; they were active participants in this journey. Their reactions during the Show-and-Tell were overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the success of the workshops. Moraga Library’s Branch Manager, Rita Carrasco, enthusiastically commented, “I can’t believe how well the kids learned to program!” Such affirmation from leadership demonstrates the value placed on these educational endeavors.
Celebrating Achievements
At the conclusion of the workshops, each student received a certificate and STEAM prizes generously donated by the Sydney-Paige Foundation, a nonprofit that has provided vital educational resources across the nation since 2013. It’s organizations like these that play a crucial role in uplifting underprivileged students, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed.
The eSTEAM Computer Science Club itself is notable; since its inception in summer 2023, it has been providing free coding opportunities to underprivileged students in Contra Costa County. Their ongoing efforts, which include year-round American Computer Science League tutoring and local contests, are key in fostering a new generation of tech-savvy individuals.
Conclusion
As someone who passionately believes in the transformative power of technology and education, witnessing the enthusiasm among the students at Moraga Library was a heartening experience. These workshops not only illuminated the path of programming for many young learners but also underscored the importance of community support in educational initiatives. With programs like these, we can continue to inspire the next generation of coders, problem solvers, and innovators who will shape our technological future.
The success of the Moraga Library workshops demonstrates a potent model for other libraries and organizations to emulate. As we advance into a future where digital literacy is vital, it’s encouraging to see such initiatives sprouting across the community. Let us embrace this journey and encourage every aspiring coder to join the adventure.
