CIS Undergraduate Teaches, Inspires Teens to Pursue Software Engineering
Fourth-year undergraduate Chase Kelly-Reif spent his summer break at the University of Washington teaching teens some of the basics of software engineering. Over a 10-week period, Chase worked with iD Tech, one of the largest nationally-based computer camps, to take students from writing their very first hello world programs all the way to working with GUIs and object-oriented programming.
Chase taught three different courses: Java Programming, C++ Programming, and Java Coding and Minecraft Modding. Each course lasted one week and had up to eight students enrolled. He used a number of different teaching techniques such as interactive tutorials, coding challenges, one-on-one help, and pair programming in front of whiteboards. His dedication paid off tremendously, generating numerous rave reviews from students and parents alike.
“Computer science education is profoundly lacking in K-12 curriculums across the country. The crowds of motivated teens and their parents come to iD Tech so they can fill that void and earn well-rounded educations,” says Chase. “But summer camps aren’t enough. This is something that needs to be an option for all children. Software engineering is incredibly useful, fun, and empowering. I’m glad to have shared it with people and I intend to continue sharing it for as long as I can.”