Recognizing February is CTE month, Legacy Elementary Computer Lab Manager, Mr. Medina, has used Fridays in February to highlight careers in the computer technology field. He has done presentations on the numerous opportunities for careers in this field to build on the excitement of what they have been learning. His presentation includes a brief look at the men and women that have shaped this field so far and videos to help students understand what these careers might include.
We learned more about the excitement from Mr. Medina himself. See his responses below.
Q: How has computer coding/technology come to life in your computer lab?
A: The idea of coding has been pre-established from the past curriculum, but thanks to the District's purchase of Ozobots, I was able to grow and share new knowledge and lessons with the students, as well as give my own spin on past lessons to give them a more relatable feel for my students.
Q: What have your presentations on coding consisted of?
A: My presentations consisted of showing real-world examples of coding, as well as showcasing various men and women both past and present, even all the way back to the 70s that have pioneered this industry and are responsible for the tech we have today.
Q: What has the student reaction been?
A: The reaction from my students has been amazing! From my kindergarten to my fifth grade classes, I truly feel like I've shown them something new and hopefully in my older kids given a new pathway to a possible future career they may want to continue diving into in their middle and high school years.
Q: How does exposing students to career choices in computer technology change their understanding and shape their futures?
A: I truly believe that technology is the one career choice with endless possibilities. As my degree in Graphic Arts taught me, there is no one who is ever truly done learning everything about tech. This is a field that changes not even day by day but I feel almost hour by hour. From the students standpoint, I hope they know that the sky is truly the limit in this field, as well as giving them a sense of gratitude for the times they live in with this technology and unlimited possibilities it gives them for their futures.
Q: What’s your favorite part of sharing the information in this way?
A: My degree in Graphic Arts grew my love for creating with technology as well as my past and current work with various Robotics organizations such as our own to keep pushing young people to be more than what they think to be. I love having the knowledge I do and sharing because I remember always wishing there was some outlet for this spark I had, and now my hope is I can be that spark for that young man or woman and seeing them take off with it and grow in the craft of coding through our activities.