Young women like Grace Evans could create new computer applications or auto safety technology by learning computer coding language, a Muskogee computer technician says.
“I want to learn about computer programming and coding,” Grace said.
Girls from grades six through 12 can take a four-month basic coding class 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 24, at the PC Landing Zone. The class will be presented by Learn to Code, a Tulsa nonprofit program seeking to ensure gender equality in computer careers.
“We are moving at such a fast pace, we want to make sure girls can stay on pace,” said Victor Lezama, PC Landing Zone owner and senior technician.
Grace, 11, said she got interested in computer coding while doing a robotics program at her school, Sadler Arts Academy.
“I want to learn about computer programming and coding,” she said.
Grace said she doesn’t expect the class “to be especially easy.”
“But, not hard either,” she said.
Lezama said Learn to Code officials approached him last November about offering the class in Muskogee.
He said the class is $250, which includes laptop computers and other equipment. However, sponsors can enable girls to take the class for free or reduced costs, Lezama said.
“If your child enrolls, we’re going to do whatever it takes to find a sponsor for your child,” Lezama said. “Sponsors can be an uncle, an aunt or a neighbor. We’ve had three people who reached out and said they were willing to sponsor students.”
According to a Learn to Code media release, 74 percent of school girls express an interest in science, technology, engineering and math. However, less than 1 percent choose computer science as a major.
However, computer programming continues to be a growing and vital field, Lezama said.
“Coding is the backbone of computer languages,” he said. “Everything we do requires a computer — cell phones, cars, laptops. And every computer has some type of coding.”
Computer coding enables a remote to change a TV channel, he said.
“Facebook, Netflix, all of those need coding,” he said.
Learn to Code material states that women make up half the U.S. workforce, but hold just one-fourth of jobs in technical or computing fields. Also, by 2020, there could be 1.4 million computer specialist job openings, the Learn to Code material said.
The hour-long classes will involve project-based activities and the opportunity to build real world software, such as mobile apps and games.
“And they don’t need to know anything about computers” to take the class, Lezama said.
He said a girl who takes this class “might be the person who creates the next big app.”
Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or [email protected].
If you go
WHAT: Learn to Code, basic coding class.
WHO: Girls in sixth through 12th grades.
WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, from Jan. 24 to May 23.
WHERE: PC Landing Zone, 111 W. Broadway.
COST: $250. Sponsorships available to enable students to take the class for free.
INFORMATION: (918) 682-7259 or https://www.facebook.com/events/349103128800291.
You can help
• If you want to sponsor a female student for the Learn to Code class, call (918) 682-7259.
[Source:-Phoenix]
