- Somers Central School District
- Homepage
A New Software Program Keeps Somers Students on Script
It all started with a dog. That was the first assignment when students began writing code in Introduction to Computer Programming last September.
Their objective: Move the dog around the screen to chase a ball.
The assignments have grown more complex since, but the process has remained familiar at each step thanks to CodeHS, a program that provides curriculum, tools and resources to teachers, students and schools to effectively teach computer science.
“I was a little confused at the beginning,” admitted sophomore Matt Mignardi. “But now it’s very interesting. Every lesson starts with a video. There’s an example, then a lesson and a quiz.”
During class, students are quiet, either problem solving or typing a solution quickly on their tablets.
They are being challenged, but at a pace they can handle.
“Right now it’s more complicated,” sophomore Dean Barlanti added. “It’s gets harder, but the program helps you learn step by step.”
The course is an elective, but it serves as an entry point, establishing a baseline for students interested in computer science that will provide them the skills to tackle more advanced classes.
“I feel like I have the basic fundamentals of coding down,” freshman Jack LaRocca said. “It’s helped me to learn the coding language.”
Students are currently learning how to write a program that will roll “snake eyes” on a pair of dice. The CodeHS software explains to them how, first through a video and then with a series of activities that are part of the lesson.
Students must also complete various quizzes along the way to prove their proficiency.
“I like this program because students can work at their own pace,” teacher Lauren Pizzolla said. “I can add custom lessons for them based on how quickly they advance.”
May 8, 2023