Recently, Mount Madonna School (MMS) high school students have been learning coding in both JavaScript and making web pages in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) as part of their Computer Principles course.
Computer Principles is a one-semester elective class designed to give junior and senior students an introduction to the role of computers and computing in the modern world, essential skills for all citizens in the twenty-first century.
In addition to the aforementioned coding, students study topics including how the internet works, encryption and hacking, computer-related careers and artificial intelligence.
“We spent about half the class learning coding, which helped students develop logic and problem solving skills, while at the same time doing creative projects and getting a feel for how coding works,” commented teacher John Welch.
Welch shared links to project by twelfth graders Ben Pearson: https://s2js.com/BenPearson/mywebsite, Blythe Wilson: https://s2js.com/blythewilson/gamecenter, Summer Howley: https://s2js.com/summr.hates.ferns/pouf and Liana Kitchel: https://s2js.com/Liana.k/frograce.
“These games are a few of the projects we’ve done in class this semester,” shared Wilson. “For these assignments we were given a prompt or skeleton of code to flesh out and make our own. For example, we were told to make a rock paper scissors simulator using the JavaScript tools we had learned in class so far. We were given freedom to write the program however we liked and to make it look however we wanted.
“It’s definitely challenging figuring out how to get things to do what you want them to, and even harder to figure out why things aren’t working,” she continued. “But John was always available to figure out the problem and help. The process in this class is to start with making something simple that works, then adding on to it creatively. It’s all about making more problems for yourself and then trying to solve them.”
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.
