Innovative Coding Program Integrates Music and Technology in Thomasville
THOMASVILLE, Ga. — A novel initiative is enabling students to develop programming skills through the medium of music, fostering creativity while learning to code.
- EarSketch, a complimentary program devised by Georgia Tech, allows participants to curate music tracks akin to DJs.
- This initiative forms part of the Rural Computer Science Initiative, which connects rural educational institutions with top-tier Georgia Tech educators and resources.
- Watch the video to witness the musical creations emerging from student coding endeavors.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Often, we lament the excessive screen time among youth, yet what if those very screens could catalyze creativity?
Inside a classroom, students are harnessing code to compose their own musical pieces.
“Computer science education is becoming ubiquitous in Georgia schools, beginning as early as elementary levels. In Thomas County, we initiate this training in kindergarten. However, our objective is not to convert students into programmers or developers but to cultivate logical thinking skills, which are augmented by both computer science and mathematics,” remarks Mark Thompson, a computer science instructor at Thomas County Central High School.
Thompson asserts that such critical thinking abilities are as vital as literacy, especially in an increasingly digital world.
“It’s imperative for students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of technology. With AI permeating every industry, technology influences every facet of our existence,” Thompson elaborates.
One innovative method he employs to fortify these skills is through EarSketch, a program orchestrated by Georgia Tech.
Instructors from Georgia Tech conduct lessons remotely, providing students with the opportunity to code their own musical compositions.
“The students aren’t merely crafting songs; they are blending various soundtracks. This program features samples from an extensive roster of popular artists. Utilizing computer science principles, students amalgamate these tracks, thereby creating their own musical mixes much like professional DJs,” Thompson explains.
A participant who has immersed himself in this innovative program is Cody Wehner.
“I gained significant insights initially, but the introduction of this program truly expanded my perspective. With expert guidance from Georgia Tech, my understanding has greatly deepened, acknowledging that they themselves had to learn these concepts as well,” Wehner states.
The initiative marries creativity with analytical thinking, engaging both hemispheres of the brain.
“It’s captivating. I enjoy the coding aspect above all, though it can become tedious when focused solely on numbers or abstract concepts. Infusing beats into the process makes it immensely enjoyable,” Wehner adds.
By the conclusion of the academic year, the Rural Computer Science Initiative anticipates reaching over 10,000 students throughout Georgia, including those in Thomas County.
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Source link: Wtxl.com.
