About a year ago, Google launched a pilot project, CS First, to introduce students to computer science. Activities were held after school and during summer camps. 1200 young people took part in this project. The implementation team has assessed and made adjustments and is proposing an update to the program.
Through its free educational program CS First, Google wants to introduce students aged 9 to 14 to computer coding, mainly using the software Scratch. The company has developed educational activities grouped into seven themes : music, the arts, storytelling, fashion, games, friendship and social media. Students are encouraged to create animations and video games on these themes while applying principles of science.
In order to use CS First, all you need to do is register on the company's website and to create a local group. Google says that as part of this educational program, young people only have to watch educational videos and consult the educational material, which is meant to be turnkey. The volunteer teachers targeted to start such clubs are those who wish to transmit the passion and interest in computer science to young people.
According to an article in the online magazine EdSurge, as part of this program, Google would also provide additional material free of charge to new members, including headsets. Currently, CS First clubs are said to have over 27,000 subscribers across the globe.
For Google, CS First constitutes a program of complementary educational activities which can enhance the primary and secondary educational programs already in place in several countries, including in the field of science. With a view to promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and giving young people the opportunity to learn computer science, New York City has also entered into a wait with Google for this program.. This will is also manifested through several other projects.
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