STEAM Winter Camp Popular in Singapore Launches in China

By Urban Family, Nov 22, 2018 10:34

As STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education within international schools gains popularity, children are looking for additional study to enhance their skills in this field. First Code Academy, the leading STEAM education institution in Asia, brings the latest and best learning from Silicon Valley to children in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Urban Family sat down with First Code Academy (FCA) graduate Celeste to talk about her experiences. After taking the AppInventor, Python and Javascript courses at FCA, Celeste found herself hooked on coding. She completed her study at the French International School and was accepted into University College London, majoring in Computer Science.

Why do you like coding?

Our generation is surrounded by machines and technology. At school, we learn to understand the world we live in through history, biology and even literature. But often, computer science is left out, even though it’s a vital element in our world today. Coding allows me to understand the technology revolving around and how, as a powerful tool, it can be used in ways that touch other domains. It is this flexibility in applications that I love about coding.

How would you describe your first coding class experience?

I was very curious to discover more about the Computer Science world. I had been briefly introduced to some basic HTML in school and wanted to learn more. Being in a world where computers and technology are ubiquitous, I feel that it’s important to understand these machines that we so frequently work with. Back then, FCA was the only place offering CS courses, so my coding journey began.

Have you attended any coding competitions?

When still taking lessons at FCA, I participated in the AppJamming Summit in 2015 and was among the Top 10 finalists. My entry into the competition was my final project from my first summer course at FCA. The app was called ‘Roachkill.' Essentially, the game's objective was to drag the color-coded cockroaches to their corresponding insecticide.

What benefits did First Code Academy bring to different areas of your life?

FCA not only helped me further discover the world of computer science but also played a crucial role in my university applications. After being a student at FCA, I returned one year later to seek employment as a Teaching Assistant. Sharing my love for technology with younger individuals was a fantastic experience and often, this part of my university applications shined through.

What do you plan to study in college?

In the coming fall, I will attend University College London, and I have chosen Computer Science as my major. I wish to eventually pursue a Master’s degree in Fashion Business to complement my degree in Computer Science. Then I can implement CS into the world of fashion and combine my passions.

Do you see yourself coding in 10 years time?

I envision myself undertaking work related to coding. I aspire to combine my flair for fashion and interest in computer science in my future career. Right now, what interests me most is the implementation of artificial intelligence in retail: a customer is scanned when they enter a store, and a computer suggests items in the store that match the customer’s style.

What did you like most about studying at First Code Academy?

The teachers at FCA are very supportive and encouraging towards their students, and I believe this is vital. The teachers also give students the freedom to personalize projects which makes learning code a lot more enjoyable than if everyone has the same project.

What are your thoughts on the following statement: “Technology can help creatively solve the problems we face in our society”?

I believe technology has become such an essential part of our society that most solutions to most problems do include technology. It also goes beyond just solving problems. Even if there is not a problem, technology is a tool that helps us make things faster and more effective, which makes it even more important.