Bowlby offers computer coding program to kids
Susan Strnisha, family literacy educator at Eva K. Bowlby Library in Waynesburg, works with Christian Clark, 5, during a computer coding session at the library.
Christian Clark, 5, learns computer coding during a camp at Eva K. Bowlby Public Library in Waynesburg.
WAYNESBURG – Children are learning how to create their own cartoons at Eva K. Bowlby Library in Waynesburg during computer coding sessions.
Chevron Corp., in partnership with WQED, is sponsoring the “Inquire Within” program for 5- to 8-year-olds at seven Southwestern Pennsylvania libraries.
The free, 10-week coding program, held from 5 to 6 p.m. every other Thursday at Bowlby, allows children to use PBS Kids learning pads to create their own cartoons, using some of their favorite PBS characters.
Susan Strnisha, family literacy assistant at the library, said youngsters can create four different scenes in their cartoons and a storyline, plus add characters from scene to scene. They also can create word bubbles and record sound to attach to their characters. Their projects are saved on the devices from week to week.
“The whole thing with computer programming is that it’s trial and error, and that’s what these kids are learning,” Strnisha said. “Some of the older students will actually mentor some of the younger students. It’s a great atmosphere that we have going on.”
The library just completed its fourth session, and the program will continue until May 18. She said children can still join the program, even though it is nearly halfway done, because each week a new concept in coding blocks is introduced.
Inquire Within is part of Chevron’s $20 million investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education initiatives in the region, said Chevron spokesman John Sutter.