“Coding In Classrooms and Communities” Newfoundland and Labrador
Community Based Research
Date Prepared: Wednesday, January 5, 2017 Prepared By: Brad Stirling
Table of Contents
Coding in Classrooms 3
Primary and Elementary Schools 3
Jr. High Schools 3
High Schools 3
Post-Secondary 4
Coding in Communities 7
Coding in Canada 9
Coding Bootcamps 9
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Coding in Classrooms
Primary and Elementary Schools Primary and Elementary Schools in Newfoundland and Labrador teach basic computing concepts to children ages 5-12. Basic learning objectives include locating, creating, evaluating and sharing information; the impact of technology on society and ethical issues surrounding the use and application of varying technologies.
Jr. High Schools In Jr. High schools (Intermediate), 4% of overall classroom instructional time is allotted for technology education. Each grade level in junior high focus on different technology modules. Grade 7’s will complete the communications technology model, the grade 8’s will complete the control technology and production technology modules and grade 9’s will complete the energy and power technology module.
High Schools High School graduation requirements require students to obtain 4 credits from the ‘other required credits’ program area, which includes foreign languages, business studies, religious studies and technology education. Currently, these high school technology education courses expose students to coding:
Skilled Trades 1201 Integrated Systems 1205 Design and Fabrication 2202 Robotics Systems Technology 3205
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Post-Secondary Post-Secondary institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador offer numerous options for those looking to pursue a career in information technology. Post-secondary information technology programs inclusive of coding are as follows:
Program Institution Computer Science Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador The Computer Science curriculum teaches students an array skills for whichever direction they choose in the IT field (Networking, Programming, Cloud Computing). Some programming languages offered here include HTML, C++, Python, Java, SQL, Swift and more. Computer Systems and Networking College of the North Atlantic
This program focuses on the design, installation and maintenance of computer systems and network infrastructure for home and/or office environments. Students will learn skills in command line, PowerShell and bash server scripting. Programmer Analyst College of the North Atlantic
This program emphasizes database design and programming of multi- tiered business applications through a varying range of programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, SQL, HTML, VBA, Visual Basic, Swift and ADO.NET. Software Development College of the North Atlantic
This program teaches students the skills needed to develop web and mobile based applications for businesses with weight on Java, ASP.NET, SQL and HTML programming languages.
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Web Development College of the North Atlantic
This program teaches the skills needed to design, develop and maintain websites and web-based services such as e-mail services or online stores. This program includes programming languages: HTML, SQL, bash scripting, Java, PHP and ASP.NET. IT Network Professional Academy Canada
The IT Network Professional program trains students to maintain computer networks and infrastructure through network security, assisting end- users, backing up digital assets and disaster recovery operations. The IT Network Professional will practice command line, SQL, PowerShell scripting, bash scripting and Visual Basic. IT Systems Administrator Eastern College
Students in this program will learn how to configure computer and network technologies as well as automation administration. Similar to Academy Canada’s “IT Network Professional”, this program teaches command line, SQL, PowerShell scripting and bash scripting. Network Support Specialist Eastern College
The Network Support Specialist program prepares students with the skills needed to support and maintain network infrastructure, computer systems and mobile devices. Students will learn automation administration through PowerShell scripting.
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Video Game Design and Development Eastern College
Being one of the most difficult jobs in the IT industry, this program prepares students for a highly- focused team based environment, teaching an array of team building skills in addition to an array of required technical skills: C++, Java, Swift, Advanced HTML, JavaScript, math, physics, 3D asset creation and level design. Information Systems Specialist Eastern College
An Information Systems Specialist is responsible for the maintenance and operation of workplace computer systems and networks. Students in this position will learn command line, SQL and PowerShell. Business Information Technology Keyin College
This program prepares students for a full time career in programming. As such, students will learn the most powerful, widespread programming languages used today: Java, JavaScript, SQL, HTML, VBA, Visual Basic, Swift, PHP and Unity. Information System Specialist Keyin College
An Information Systems Specialist is responsible for the maintenance and operation of workplace computer systems and networks. Students in this position will learn command line, SQL, PowerShell, bash scripting. Network Design & Management Keyin College
The Network Design & Management program teaches students how to setup and manage routed and switched networks, database development and customer support.
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Coding in Communities
Bricks 4 Kidz Bricks 4 Kidz offers youth-targeted after school programs focused on teaching children the fundamentals of visual arts, design, coding and robotics. From assembling automatons to fully programming them - these programs promote systematic thinking, creativity and work collaboration. Bricks 4 Kidz hosts weekday summer camps, after-school classes and weekend workshops. Furthermore, Bricks 4 Kidz offers more challenging and advanced robotics classes for high school students.
Bricks 4 Kids: http://www.bricks4kidz.com/canada-newfoundland-stjohns/
Science Nerds Science Nerds offers youth-targeted after school programs focused on teaching children the essentials of video game design, Lego-based robotics and coding. Science Nerds hosts game design and robotics workshops on weekends and after-school video game design/programming classes. Fun and engaging, Science Nerds evokes positive working relationships in a productive environment.
Science Nerds: http://www.sciencenerds.net/
Hour of Code Hour of Code is another nonprofit organization that holds a light presence in Newfoundland and Labrador. Hour of Code is an American global movement that aims to expand access to computer science and teach coding basics to everyone. Over 180 countries participated in this year’s Hour of Code Event and 3,745 individual sessions were hosted in Canada alone. In Newfoundland and Labrador, over 25 schools and institutions participated in the Hour of Code movement in 2015.
Hour of Code: https://code.org/learn
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Ladies Learning Code Ladies Learning Code (soon to be Canadians Learning Code) is a nonprofit organization that strives to improve digital literacy and shape educational curriculums in Canada. With over 21,000 adult learners, 19,000 youth learners and in excess of 6,000 mentors; Ladies Learning Code is sweeping across Canada with unstoppable momentum through education and engagement. Ladies Learning Code hosts coding events and family-based workshops across the country.
Ladies Learning Code: http://ladieslearningcode.com/
Code NL Code NL works to improve computer programming education in Newfoundland and Labrador and hosts bi-weekly code clubs for anyone with a roaming eye on computer science. Code NL’s primary objective is to improve and push computer programming education in the province through open discussions and advocacy.
Code NL: http://codenl.org/
Hacking Health Hacking Health is a global movement active in over 40 cities across 5 continents that tries to transform healthcare by connecting healthcare professionals with designers and developers to build realistic solutions to front-line healthcare problems. In St. John’s, Hacking Health hosts monthly informal meetups to discuss and debate health and technology.
Hacking Health: http://hackinghealth.ca/
Skills Canada Skills Canada is a nonprofit organization promoting skilled trades and technology to youth. Skills Canada annually hosts a “National Skilled Trades and Technology” week to bring awareness and celebration to skilled trades across the country. Other offerings from Skills Canada include trades competitions and an “Annual Skilled Career Day”.
Skills Canada: http://www.skillscanada-nfld.com/home
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Coding in Canada
CoderDojo The CoderDojo, stationed in Toronto, is trying to build a global movement that builds a better, more positive future through coding and community. Although CoderDojo is not present in Newfoundland and Labrador, their website hosts an assortment of free resources of which include tutorials, projects, parental information, leadership guidance and educator resources across the spectrum of programming languages.
CoderDojo: https://coderdojo.com/
Coding Bootcamps
Coding Bootcamps are a high impact learning environment that teaches students about 10% of a traditional computer science degree, eliminating all non-essential skills from the curriculum. Like other post-secondary institutions, Coding bootcamps have an application/acceptance process and tuition fees. The following is a list of coding bootcamps in Canada:
Bitmaker Labs Toronto based Bitmaker Labs offers both web and mobile development courses for part or full time students. Programs are 9 – 12 weeks in length and contain a very robust curriculum – everything from user interfaces to database management.
Bitmaker Labs: https://bitmaker.co/
CodeCore Located in Vancouver, British Colombia, CodeCore offers part time introductory coding (5 weeks) and VR development programs (workshops) in addition to a full time web application development program (12 weeks). CodeCore also hosts community events and provides Lunch & Learn sessions to interested organizations.
CodeCore: http://www.codecore.ca/
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BrainStation BrainStation offers the most courses of all the bootcamps in Canada with wide-ranging programs and classes such as digital marketing, data analytics, search engine optimization, web development, product management, social media strategy and more. In addition to bootcamp programs, BrainStation also provides frequent workshops, seminars, tutorials and corporate training.
BrainStation: https://brainstation.io/
DecodeMTL DecodeMTL has the lowest tuition rates of all of the other coding bootcamps currently available in Canada. Based in Montreal, DecodeMTL offers full-time (8 week) and part-time (10 week) web development programs that exercise the use and application of HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
DecodeMTL: https://www.decodemtl.com/
HackerYou Toronto’s HackerYou coding bootcamp allows students to enroll in part time introductory or advanced programs for the following topics: web development, JavaScript & jQuery, digital design, full-stack and search engine optimization (SEO). In addition, HackerYou offers a full time Front-End Web Development Immersive program.
HackerYou: http://hackeryou.com/
Hatch Canada Hatch Canada, based in Toronto, offers an array of children targeted services/programs across various skill levels and environments. Hatch Canada, although not currently in Newfoundland and Labrador; offers school programs, workshops, weekly classes, camps and events that foster computer science education through coding, design, efficiencies and work collaboration.
Hatch Canada: https://hatchcanada.com/
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Lighthouse Labs Located in Vancouver and Toronto, Lighthouse Labs offers both introductory and advanced coding programs based on web and Apple development. Students engage in an accelerated 6-8 week curriculum that focuses on practical (HTML, CSS, Node.js, Ruby) and theoretical (design architecture, automation, troubleshooting, responsive websites) concepts.
Lighthouse Labs: https://lighthouselabs.ca/
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