Empowering computer science program available to Michigan middle schools at no cost
Michigan Film & Digital Media Office partners with Google; initiative aims to elevate CS interest, develop talent for high-paying jobs
CONTACT: Frank Provenzano, (517) 335-1821; provenzanof@michigan.org; Kathy Achtenberg, (517) 335-3340; achtenbergk@michigan.org
November 4, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Responding to the challenge of improving computer
science education, the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office is partnering
with Google in “Computer Science First” (CS First), an online-based curriculum
designed for middle-school students that increases accessibility to a
discipline where proficiency is a highly marketable skill to current and future
job prospects.
“This program is a valuable tool to help students begin a
formal education in computer science,” said Jenell Leonard, commissioner of the
Michigan Film & Digital Media Office. “We hope to encourage more interest
and greater awareness among students so they realize nearly all professions –
from farming to manufacturing to engineering to filmmaking – can include some
aspect of computer science.”
 While Google provides the curriculum (available through a
website to classrooms) to schools around the U.S., the introduction of CS First
in Michigan marks the first time a state agency has been the primary
coordinator of the program.
“We want to make sure all schools have equal access to
computer science materials and knowledge,” said Leonard. “Regardless of
location or test scores, we need to empower today’s students with the resources
needed to succeed in a high-tech world where critical thinking and creativity
are premiums.”
|
As a result of the partnership between the film office and
Google, four schools are participating in the introductory phase of CS First
with the statewide launch planned for January. Participants include Wilkinson
Middle School, Madison Heights (Oakland County); Ferndale Middle School,
Ferndale (Oakland County); Manchester Middle School, Manchester (Washtenaw
County); Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, Freemont (Newaygo
County).
"We know that exposure to computer science can lead to
some of the most rewarding jobs in the world, and we have a responsibility to
inspire the next generation of tech innovators," said Rob Biederman,
Google's Head of Midwest Public Affairs. "Kids from all neighborhoods and
all backgrounds should be encouraged to be creators -- not just consumers -- of
technology."
Currently, there are 15,000 job openings in the computer
sciences in Michigan. Job growth in the state is increasing at three-and-a-half
times the average compared to other industries. By 2020, the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics predicts there will be 1 million more computer science jobs
than graduating students who qualify for the jobs. Average annual earnings is
nearly $89,000 for jobs in digital-media related industries.
A top priority for CS First, said Biederman, is providing a
“sense of belonging in technology” for under-represented students. He noted
only 10 percent of K-12 schools in U.S. offers computer science classes.
CS First includes:
- Computer science materials for students in
grades 4-8
- Support for computer science clubs run by
teachers and/or volunteers
- Flexible program design that fits in-class or
after-class requirements
- Eight themed/focus areas, e.g. game design, art,
storytelling, fashion/design, music/sound, friends, social media and sports
CS First is an on-line curriculum provided at no cost.
Students work on the activities and assignments from a laptop, either provided
by the school or the student. No additional software is required. Schools must
have Wi-Fi.
“CS First builds a community of volunteers and mentors while
providing opportunities for students to learn the many applications of computer
science,” said Leonard. “Partnering with Google is a cost-effective and
innovative way for schools to introduce digital design and encourage creativity
for middle-school students.”
The partnership with Google is the initial foray into building
public-private partnerships for the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office,
which no longer provides incentive to filmmakers. In addition to working with
innovative private-sector companies like Google, the film office strategic plan
calls for educational alliances to go along with a coordinated promotional
campaign to elevate awareness of film and digital media production resources in
Michigan.
In September, the office sponsored the Digital
Summit Detroit, which
showcased a diverse range of professionals working in digital media.
Subsequent to the January rollout of CS First across the
state, participation and success will be measured based on each school submitting
reports on number of enrollees, volunteers along with an assessment of the
proficiency of students’ work in the eight themed areas.
For more information, please visit COMPUTER SCIENCE FIRST
|
