Description:
Middle schoolers embrace technology and easily navigate digital sources like apps, webpages, and online video platforms. In Digital Studio, they will transform from users of these tools to the designer and coders of their own content. Learn what goes in to coding a webpage (Semester 1) and coding a mobile app (Semester 2).
Students start with the Swift programming language which is used for iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad. Later students move into programming responsive web design to create hybrid apps for both desktop and mobile devices using Web App Maker. In all app programming languages, students practice the iterative design process to define a problem, generate ideas, build, test, and improve their app.
Digital Studio is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in "Intro" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home.
Topics in this Series: Intro to Coding for Website Design (Semester 1) and Intro to Coding for Mobile App Development (Semester 2)
