February 1, 2023 at 4:16 p.m.
Catholic Central School launches Coding and Robotics Program
Catholic Central School launches Coding and Robotics Program
“The research is irrefutable. Computational thinking (CT) unlocks opportunities for students to not only engage in authentic problem solving, but also provides opportunities for students to think about problem solving in ways that tap into both logic and creativity,” said Dr. Chandra Orrill, director of the Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in STEM Education and professor of Mathematics at UMASS Dartmouth. “Students who engage in CT can solve problems with empathy and creativity. They will be able to make the world of tomorrow.”
CCS has invested in the Photon Robotics Ecosystem, which is the only university-researched coding robot that supports students from pre-K through 12th grade and is aligned to the required NYS standards. Students in the CCS Early Education program can begin by using visual coding tools, while upper school students will apply Python, JavaScript and/or Microsoft Make Code to solve real world problems.
“Innovation begins with the needs of the student, not with the latest technology. Therefore, we have begun implementing a program that can be integrated throughout the curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade,” said Lily Spera, CCS Lower School principal. “We can introduce artificial intelligence to first graders, autonomous driving to fourth graders, smart city design to middle schoolers, while our high school students can apply computer science concepts and simulations in meaningful ways.”
“Our students have been so excited to learn coding with our robotics program. They became immediately engaged and it has created a new opportunity for students to critically think and solve the tasks at hand,” added Kristen Campito, second-grade teacher at CCS. “By implementing the STREAM program into Catholic Central School, our students will learn to develop not only math, science and technology skills, but also team building skills, cooperation, idea sharing and the value of trial and error.”
“Coding can seem like such an abstract concept and is usually isolated to a computer lab and taught by one person in the school, which severely limits access and the benefits for students,” said Ritch Harrigan, Upper School principal. “We are implementing a program that can be facilitated by any teacher so that coding can be integrated throughout the curriculum and in every classroom. CCS has also made a major commitment to support our teachers with a comprehensive professional development program, and many are embracing the challenge.”
As a direct result of the strategic planning process, Catholic Central School will be taking more intentional steps to develop and implement student-centered programs. Plans include introducing electives in engineering, podcasting and digital communications.
“It’s been challenging to combine a pre-K-to-5th grade school with a 6th-12th grade school and even though we are only in our fifth month, we are starting to realize the amazing advantages and opportunities a pre-K-12th grade campus can provide to students and families,” Spera said. “There’s a lot more work to do, but we are starting to experience the benefits of one campus, one mission.”
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