Computer Science For All

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, I was lucky to have teachers in my local public school who found creative and exciting ways to introduce me to all of the STEM (science, tech, engineering and math) disciplines. Hands-on experiences with innovative technology built my confidence and skills for the future and helped me understand that STEM, especially computer science, could be used to make the world a better place.
And now, we have the chance to work together to expand that hands-on learning experience to all children across America, with President Obama's new Computer Science for All (#CSforAll) initiative.
The President's bold new proposal will empower students from kindergarten through high school to learn computer science, equipping them with the analytical skills they need to be creators in the digital economy, not just consumers, and to apply their passion and enthusiasm to solving problems using technology.
The United States has been home to so many amazing digital inventions -- from Silicon Valley to its counterparts like Austin, Boston, Eastern Kentucky, Louisville, Boise, Salt Lake, Atlanta, and more. Last year, there were more than 600,000 high-paying jobs across a variety of industries in the United States that were unfilled, and by 2018, 51 percent of all STEM jobs are projected to be in CS-related fields.
Our economy and our children's futures can't afford to wait.

 

Elementary students in Baltimore, Maryland with the author.

We’ve made real progress, but we have a lot of work left to do. In 22 states, computer science still doesn’t count toward high school graduation requirements for math or science, and 75% of schools don’t yet offer a single high-quality computer science course. Plus, stereotypes perpetuated by media portrayals, unconscious bias, the unsung history of CS heroes like Grace Hopper, and outdated classroom materials often discourage many from taking these courses -- they often 'opt-out' of CS even when it is offered.
The good news is innovators in education are already solving these challenges and leading the way all over the country. We recently recognized just a handful of these Americans at the White House Champions of Change for Computer Science Education event. These students, teachers, and community leaders are proving what’s possible, like the Spanish teacher in Queens who co-created a “Digital Dance” experience, bringing code into school dances. Or the high school and college students who tutor their younger peers in these skills, solidifying their own knowledge through mentoring.
As a kid, I was lucky to be exposed to CS -- but a lot of my generation didn’t get that chance. Let’s get all-hands-on-deck to make sure every child is learning to code as a new 'basic' skill ­-- so they can all be part of the next generation of American ingenuity, problem solving, adventure, and deep economic impact.
Find out how you can get involved today, whether you are a student, teacher, techie or an interested citizen. There's something we all can do.
Megan Smith
U.S. Chief Technology Officer
@USCTO

Press Release - It's a beautiful week

Bamenda, Cameroon, January, 26^th , 2016 – Tobby Vision Computer announced yesterday that it is raising funds via a rewards and equity crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo to enable it purchase three second hand personal computers, three personal computer tables, three computer room sitting stools to enable it teach/learn ICTs with ease.

Tobby Vision Computers set out to raise $1,000 on Indiegogo to enable it purchase three second hand personal computers, three personal computer tables, three computer room sitting stools and that is going to change the ICT teaching/learning in its school in particular and Africa in general.

Tobby Vision Computers is the African Union Commission Award winner as best Technical, Vocational Education Training (TVET) for the 21^st century in Africa and teaching Information and Communication Technologies to youths, farmers and students of Tubah, North West Region of Cameroon.

Tobby Vision Computers seeks to inspire men and women everywhere to reach for a star in ICTs in a safe and healthy environment. The centre is officially approved by the Ministry of Secondary Education Cameroon. It is not only approved in Cameroon but also by the African Union Commission, USAID and FHI360 as a TVET best practice centre in Africa providing skills for the 21^st century for work and leadership.

Speaking to the Press yesterday afternoon, the founder/Managing Director of Tobby Vision Computers stated “we have the vision of more TVET centres and tools and use for everybody, share it”.

Tobby Vision Computers was founded in Bamenda in 2002 and legally registered on the 4^th of September 2012. It was co–founded by Cornelius Tawong and Mangoh Yinike. It sustained to publish a Computer Studies textbook which sold more than five thousand copies in the first year and a thousand in just a single public school – Government Technical High School Nkwen–Bamenda in 2012.

Men and women everywhere anytime need to rise for ICTs for just $5!

Campaign Page URL: https://www.indiegogo.com/project/it-is-a-beautiful-week-your-little-drop-counts/embedded/10848556  

Contact:

Cornelius Tfurndabi Tawong

Executive Officer Tobby Vision Computers

Tel.: (+237) 675 425 551

corneliustawong@gmail.com

Good News! Hectares of Farm Land For Sale

South West land discovered in North West Region!! Hot area – good for the cultivation of palm estates, cocoa, sugar cane, plantains, pineapples, food crops etc.

Location: Five (5) kilometers away from the Bambui–Fundong highway at Mejang – Belo Sub Division, Boyo Division North West Region. Motorable constructed road to go to the farm.

Dimension: Five (5) hectares. More can be added when it is a good buyer

Contact: (+237)675425551

                         669217411

Price: 2.000.000XAF per hectare negotiable

Synthesis Report on e-Forum Virtual Conference on ICTs for TVET

"What are the implications of the ICT revolution for Technical and Vocational Education and Training?" This question attracted 247 participants from 74 countries to come together online for 2 weeks on the UNEVOC e-Forum, and some of them also joined a one-hour live conference and thought of ways to share promising practices to improve access to vocational education as well as quality.

The virtual conference, organized by the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET (Bonn, Germany) from 14 to 28 May 2013 was moderated by Nik Kafka, CEO and founder of Teach A Man to Fish, an international non-governmental organization supporting schools across the developing world, and aimed at opening up dialogue and facilitate the sharing of promising practices on integrating ICTs into TVET. The conversations focused on identifying what ICTs can do to enhance the reach and impact of TVET; which tools are available and how they improve learning outcomes; what ICT skills should young people have to enhance their employability; and which are the common challenges faced by TVET providers, teachers and policy makers in widening access to ICT in all regions of the world.

The virtual conference highlighted that ICTs can greatly contribute to improving the quality of education if used appropriately and has the potential to not only enhance people’s technical skills, but also helps to develop ‘transferrable’ or soft skills supporting lifelong learning. Participants expressed how ICTs in TVET can also enhance the perception of TVET, a form of education that is often regarded as second-class. The discussion further highlighted the need for a flexible and blended approach in incorporating ICTs into TVET, recognizing the crucial role of the teacher in its delivery. Concerns were raised that teachers may not always be prepared to use ICTs in their teaching. Participants recommended investing in on-going training and support for teachers and instructors to ensure the optimal use of ICT tools. Similarly, it was raised that teachers and students should be encouraged to share knowledge and resources online to boost the quality and availability of open educational resources (OER). Concerns were raised that if not addressed appropriately, the ‘digital divide’ is likely to widen, thus deepening existing inequalities. Participants from different parts of the world advocated for reducing the digital divide by providing basic literacy training and involving local communities in utilizing ICT in education. The challenge is to make sure the tools are inclusive and adapted to the local context, recognizing limitations in terms of access and quality.

See full report at: 

http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/fileadmin/up/2013eForum_virtual%20conferenceICTs%20for%20TVET.pdf

Mbum People In Bamenda (WICUDA) Celebrate New Year 2016

'Njuh' dance WICUDA Bamenda

WICUDA Bamenda: 'Kishe' dance of Tangmbo

WICUDA Bamenda: 'Mbaya' dance of Binka