Research indicates that by 2020 there will be 1,000,000 more jobs in computer science than students with the required training. That is a major reason why BISD is collaborating with GameSalad to engage Middle School students in computer science by empowering them to design, program and create their own professional grade mobile games. Area Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Dora Sauceda, states “Middle school representatives were introduced to this platform at an ISTE conference and two of our middle school campuses were able to implement it during the 2017 – 2018 school year. Through funding from our Career and Technical Education Department the program was expanded to cover all the middle schools.”
Dr. Juan Chavez, Administrator for the Career and Technical Education Department, explained that each student is given an individual account which allows them to access the software not only at school but also away from campus whenever they have internet access. He added that the software introduces students to computational thinking and coding fundamentals as they build their mobile games. Also, through the GameSalad dashboard, teachers and administrators can monitor student progress at all times as they go from lesson to lesson. Brent Dusing, GameSalad CEO summarized the collaboration by saying “We are excited to be working with the innovators in the Brownsville ISD to bring Computer Science to all their Middle School students. The STEM skills gained by the students will give them a huge advantage in the 21st Century workforce" View additional photos. Learn more at edu.gamesalad.com.
