Sep
2
2014
This article is a follow up on the KidsLearningCode article. Where the first article explained what we are doing, this one aims to show how we are going about it.
1. Syllabus, courseware, outcomes:
IT varsity has developed coding courseware tailored to the cognitive levels of younger students.
Our target group for this offering is school kids between the ages of 7 and 17 years.
Learners will be taught to:
- Use their new computers (bearing in mind that most learners in rural areas have never used a computer before)
- Create basic algorithms with Scratch
- Understand the basic functioning of the Internet and browsers
- Code JavaScript on their computers
The proposed programme outline is listed below. This is a 3-month course, with classes taking place once a week, which gives a total of 12 sessions. The course has been designed by IT varsity with the sole aim of empowering the kids of today, for a better future tomorrow.
| Module 1: Basic Computer Skills (2 sessions) |
| Module 3: Game Development with Scratch (3 sessions) |
| Module 4: Basic coding with HTML and CSS (3 sessions) |
| Module 5: Introduction to coding with JavaScript (4 sessions) |
Since each learner will be given a computer, they will be given assignment tasks to complete during the week which they can complete on their on computers. This will encourage self-study and exploration.
A long-term sustainable solution
Our aim is to provide a concerted, sustained effort with the following specific outcomes in mind:
- Inspire continued learning and practice after the classes are over
- Instil a passion for technology
- Encourage a competitive and entrepreneural spirit
- Nurture the willingness to perform at optimal levels
To encourage active participation and excellence, we will follow up the training with a competition where learners who excel will stand the chance to win various prizes such as bursaries.
2. Computers and Internet
Each learner will be given a low-cost yet powerful, Linux-based Raspberry Pi computer, complete with screen, keyboard and mouse. Providing learners with their own computers will ensure that they can keep coding whenever they want.
Internet access will be provided via mobile data where required.
3. Classes:
Classes will be held once a week, on Saturdays.
4. Venues:
Currently we run coding classes at the IT varsity campus in the CBD, and at the Umkhumbane School in the Chesterville township. However, there has been a demand in many other areas, so we’ve approached other schools such as the Meadowlands Secondary School in Chatsworth, as well as schools in Phoenix, Inanda and Wyebank to allow us to host classes at their computer labs, to which many have graciously agreed.
Learners will be provided a light meal at every class.
5. Trainers:
The training will be done by our trained and qualified lecturers and IT varsity student volunteers, many of whom are eager to impart their knowledge to others.
6. Logistics
Many learners are from remote areas, so there may arise a need to provide them with taxi fare to get them to the training facility. We will cover the taxi fare from within the greater Durban area.
7. Accreditation
IT varsity is an accredited training provider. We are accredited by the MICT SETA, and most of our courses are accredited programmes.
Even though the Kids Learning Code course is purely a skills programme, it is aligned to assessment standards of the SAQA qualification “Systems Development” (SAQA ID: 48872)
Project Impact
By providing coding skills and computers to kids, we will be opening up to them a new world, the world of computers and App development. They will be free to learn and explore, imagine and create, and in the process find their passion.
We believe that this project will go a long way towards addressing the IT skills shortage in South Africa because it will encourage more young people to get into IT careers.
It also has the potential to impact the economy of the country, because some of these kids may become innovators and tech entrepreneurs of the future.
Girls
“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.”
At IT varsity we understand the need to get more girls into IT careers. This project will address that need by ensuring that at least half of the learners will be girls.
Challenges
IT varsity is a small startup company with big, audacious ideas. As much as we would like to continue providing free training to kids just for the love of it, the reality is that there is only so much we can do on our own, and that the way forward is to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations. That way we can do much more.
The current cost per child for the full 3-month program, including tuitions, meals, Raspberry Pi computers with screens, keyboards and mice, courseware and t-shirts, is R4500.
We are looking at getting enough sponsorship to run an initial class of 20 learners at our city campus.
For the initial class we intend to take in three learners per school from various schools in the Durban area. The three learners will be nominated by their schools to participate in the programme.
Our major challenge at this stage is finance. As a startup we have severe financial constraints, but with active participation of the government and private enterprise we will be able to easily reach out target of empower 20 disadvantaged students.
Based on the success of this project, we would like to run more projects of this type in other areas.
By Bilal Kathrada •
Career Guidance, CoderDojo, KidsLearningCode, Learning, Tech stories to inspire •
