For this client, I developed a curriculum, designed presentations for eLearning, as well as Instructor-Led Trainings (ILT) in a classroom with actual students. I created this presentation as part of the curriculum I’m currently developing for an in-person, two-week training class I’m developing for an upcoming governmental project.
By now, you all know I’m passionate about STEM diversity, right?
We have to start making coding and other STEM topics more approachable. For our girls. For women. For minorities. For blue-collar and working-class children. For kids at urban, inner-city, impoverished schools. For refugees. For immigrants. For the next generation of coders. In the brilliant words of Linda Liukas (Google her, if you haven’t already): “The more approachable we feel technology is, the more we play with systems, take them apart, tweak and tinker with them, the better sense of what’s possible we have.”
Most of my focus in 2018 has been directed towards bridging the gender gap in tech by reaching girls during the crucial middle school years before their self-esteem plummets or they lose interest in technology. My vision for 2018 is to bring more computer coding classes to middle school girls throughout my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. Because I know what it’s like to be a middle school girl in the state of Kentucky, and I know how it feels to often be the only girl (and woman) in the room who is even remotely interested in technology. This would be the first module in the course. I’m partnering with some wonderful organizations, nonprofits, conferences, and governmental programs to bring more coding content and tech mentorship to the next generation of girls throughout 2018, and I’m so excited to share details with you soon!
In the meantime, here’s what I’ve created. I’ve strategically spiced up this technical content with pop culture references and “real-life” stories that would be of interest to the girls. Even Princess Shuri, tech guru of Wakanda, makes an appearance. Enjoy!
eLearning Presentation [Video Tutorial]