100 x 10

Last week, I realized something that I hadn’t noticed before. I worked with 100 young people in after school programs in just one week!  For ten (10) weeks I will be with young people at The Study Hall, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, Centers of Hope (Rosel Fann & Grove Park), and East Atlanta Kids Club. Nerd Ninjaz has grown along with the young people I work with over the years.

​The Dojos are being owned by the young people. We now have the 2-3s, Hacker Masters, and others being named by them. I’m proud of the ownership they are showing as they learn computer science concepts like algorithms, debugging, loops, and digital citizenship. We laugh, joke, get loud, and get frustrated together while I’m scooting around in my chair with wheels.

21st century learning is different, learning that is fun and social. Critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and creativity are encouraged. This is part of a greater movement, #YesWeCode, #CSForAll, and others, to prepare young people for future careers and as 21st century leaders. Young people that will have an impact on their communities leveraging today’s technology.

We  are initially calling our local movement i.can Atlanta and any organization that is working with young people can connect with. The main requirement is that you offer your young people a computer technology related programming in 2018/19. Let’s have more of Atlanta’s young people say “i.can”. Join the movement. Reach out to me and let’s start the conversation on how we can drive a difference support the idea of  i.can Atlanta.
William Teasley, Nerd Ninja Sensei

Twitter: @William HGEI  Instagram: @NerdNinjaSensei
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