Mānoa: VNR: UH team uses computer science projects to ‘spark’ interest in young minds
Contact:
Tim Huo
Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/F8w
***VOSOT script below for consideration***
A degree in information and computer sciences is the gateway to some of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists (35% growth rate), information security analysts (32%), software developers (26%), and computer and information research scientists (23 %) are four of the top 13 expanding jobs. projected for 2022–32.
To help train and inspire the next generation of computer scientists, a team of students from the Department of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa organized a series of web development courses for students in grades 6-12 , held every Saturday. this spring from 9 a.m. to noon on the UH Mānoa campus and online via Zoom. Approximately 50 students were enrolled in the series of courses.
The classes explored web languages (HTML, CSS and JavaScript) and coding concepts, fundamental in web development to create and design web pages. The goal of the series was to foster interest in computer science through project-based learning and peer mentoring.
“I want to do something science-related, maybe for the medical field – I want to be like the tech people behind the scenes who make sure all the machines are working and stuff. If it’s computer science, I might want to work in cybersecurity,” said Keani Lee, a 7th grader at Stevenson Middle School. “This program gives me a preview of what I could learn in college and high school if I stick with it.”
The course series consisted of practical classes and will culminate with final presentations on May 5 at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kaka’ako. Those interested in participating must confirm their presence. The student mentors are part of a group called ICSpark, an independent organization registered at UH Mānoa.
Coleman Lau, a senior at Kaiser High School, said being in this program motivated him to attend UH Mānoa and study computer science.
“I would definitely recommend joining ICSpark,” said Lau. “Even if you’re still looking for something to be passionate about, then this is definitely a good place to find that.”
This is the fifth year that ICSpark has offered these courses. ICSpark is part of Technology Outreach Hawaii, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes technology education in Hawaii.
“The main goal is to use technology and combine it with your personal interests,” said ICSpark president and ICS graduate student Timothy Huo. “We have students creating websites about baked goods, for their favorite sports teams, and just combining their technology skills and their creativity.”
Huo says enrolling in this program helps students get started in computer science, which is important for a wide variety of fields.
“Our program provides more information about what computer science has to offer,” Huo said. “When I was in middle school and high school trying to figure out what I wanted to be, I was looking at broad areas but didn’t really know what they did on a day-to-day basis. ICSpark provides this answer. We discussed what software engineers do and computer science students do on a daily basis.”
ICSpark plans to continue offering the workshop series in spring 2025. Registration is expected to begin in late 2024. Check the ICSpark website for updates.
The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is located in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UH Mānoa.
Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/F8w
VIDEO:
BROLL: trt 1:40
Students and mentors at the ICSpark workshop
SOUND:
Timothy Huo, UH Mānoa graduate student and president of ICSpark (:14)
“The main goal is to use technology and combine it with your personal interests. So we have students creating websites for baked goods, for their favorite sports teams, and just combining their technology skills and their creativity.”
Keani Lee, 7th grader at Stevenson Middle School (:19)
“I want to do something science related, like maybe for the medical field, I’d like to do like the tech people behind the scenes who double check that all the machines are working and stuff. And if it’s just computer science, I might want to work in cybersecurity.”
VOSOT SCRIPT:
*Note: ICSpark is pronounced “IC-Spark”*
INTRODUCTION:
A computer science degree is the ticket to some of the most in-demand and high-paying jobs. To prepare and inspire the next generation of computer scientists in the state, students at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa hosted interactive workshops during the spring semester.
GRANDMOTHER:
Classes were held every Saturday on the Mānoa campus and were open to students in grades 6-12. The classes explored web development fundamentals. The goal was to spark interest in computer science through project-based learning and mentoring.
SOTS:
Timothy Huo, UH Mānoa graduate student and president of ICSpark
“The main goal is to use technology and combine it with your personal interests. So we have students creating websites for baked goods, for their favorite sports teams, and just combining their technology skills and their creativity.”
Keani Lee, 7th grader at Stevenson Middle School
“I want to do something science-related, like maybe for the medical field, I’d like to do like the behind-the-scenes tech people who do all the double-checking that all the machines are working and stuff. And if it’s just computer science, I might want to work in cybersecurity.”
GRANDMOTHER:
Students will wrap up the course with final presentations this Saturday at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kaka’ako. This is the fifth year UH Mānoa has offered the program and plans to do so again next spring. Registration begins later this year.
