Tech Club

The Need for Computer Science and Code.org

One thing that struck me when I participated in some of the breakout sessions at the NETA (Nebraska Educational Technology Association) Conference last spring and a coding workshop last summer was the need for schools to offer computer science to their students.  One non-profit organization with which I was made familiar, Code.org™, is "dedicated to expanding access to computer science, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color." (https://code.org/about)  According to the founder, Hadi Partovi, "90% of schools don't teach computer science and this is a foundational field for the 21st Century." (https://code.org/about) Due to the lack of computer science being taught in schools, the percentage of people that pursue computer science in college is far below the need for professionals in careers that require this skill.
After hearing these and many more statistics, I became convinced of the need for computer science in Hastings Public Schools. My question was, "How will I do this on my own?" Little did I know at the time, I did not have to do it on my own! I talked with professionals at ESU9, our local educational service unit, about my desire to start out with creating technology clubs in every Hastings Public elementary school. These professionals informed me that they had started a "Tech Club" with other area students and said they would love to combine forces to expand that club. The great thing about this partnership is we were able to have a technology club at Longfellow Elementary and another at Hastings Middle School. In our collaborating to develop this club, we also got some Hastings Public Library staff on board. Thankfully, we had a well-staffed club for students grades 3 through 5 and another for middle school-aged students.

Some things that are going to be challenges for me to overcome:

• buy-in
• elementary principals do not feel they have personnel available to help manage a technology club at their schools
• principals do not feel they will get teachers to host tech clubs unless there is some sort of compensation given and there do not appear to be funds for that
• sustainability
• due to all of my help coming from outside sources (ESU9 and Hastings Public Library and a parent volunteer) there is no guarantee they will not be called upon to fulfill other responsibilities and have to discontinue their work with us
• expansion
• technology clubs/exposure to computer science need to be available to all students
• having it at one location would prohibit some that lack transportation
• having it at many locations requires more staff/volunteers
• had to give up the tech club at Longfellow in order to give students in other schools a chance

• limitations
• those that would help want to put limits
• there is money that could be available through donors but it has been "earmarked" for high ability learners so it has been suggested that students be recommended by teachers in order to participate
• the group I am working with feels the need to limit technology clubs to 25 members for the purpose of manageability

Things that give hope

• help
• one elementary librarian has expressed interest in starting tech clubs at 2 different buildings
• funding
• the Hastings Public Schools Foundation may be interested in helping and would be a source for funding
• increased awareness
• recently hosted an "Hour of Code™" and had great feed back from participants
• facilities
• permission granted to use the middle school for any future "Hour of Code™" events that we would like to host

Although this need is great and several think it is necessary and seem excited about it, right now there is not much support from within Hastings Public Schools for implementing computer science opportunities for students.  I have faith that this will change the more people are exposed to the concept.  The programs we are using are free.  The activities are fun. People will eventually see our need to get up to date with what we offer our children. In the meantime, we plug away with the resources we have, do not get discouraged, and never give up!