Tech camp to arm kids with future skills

Dubai - Gems Education has joined hands with iD Tech - a high-energy, hands-on technology education summer camp.

Coding is no longer the language of the future, it is the language of now. This summer, 320 students from the UAE could unlock a code that determines the rest of their lives.
While schools of yesteryear focused only on traditional teaching methods surrounding the core academic subjects, today's technology-driven world requires schools to go far beyond that to prepare students for future jobs.
While understanding the importance of employability and future-preparedness, Gems Education has joined hands with iD Tech - a high-energy, hands-on technology education summer camp.
From building laptops, to programming application development, the camp - which commences on July 2 at Gems Nation Academy - aims to give students from all schools across the UAE, tools for the future.
Speaking exclusively to Khaleej Times, Kristopher Kasper, Regional Manager for iD Tech, said there should be no shying away from technology anymore. "No matter what industry you choose to go into, whether it be healthcare or business, technology is always going to be a part of it. For instance, 3D printing is now a core part of healthcare practices. The skills we teach are applicable to every job of the future."
Kasper knows what he is talking about. Aside from developing a curriculum for courses relating to digital arts, he spent 15 years creating visual effects for filmmakers like Stephen Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and Tim Burton. With a passion for Technology Education, Kasper said the fact he is seeing more and more schools implementing technology as part of its core curriculum is exciting. "It is so important to start teaching this stuff from a young age, as so many don't get involved until university or employment level. That's what we liked about Gems."
Founded 18 years ago, iD Tech's newest partnership with Gems marks its first time expanding outside the US, and Kasper said it chose the UAE because it is the "right environment".
"Technology has been made a priority here. If you compare it to the rest of the world, the UAE is leading the path in innovation and it is setting the bar for technology-driven practice. Putting it simply, we're impressed."
The iD Tech summer camps will offer a variety of one-week programmes to students from the ages of 7 to 17, over an 8-week period.
Working on an eight students per instructor ratio, tech-savvy staff from both iD Tech and Gems will help deliver the hands-on experience that students need to build a competitive advantage for their future, mastering new technology skills in areas such as Java and C++ coding, robotics, in addition to engineering and game design.
With around 40 student places available each week, the students - on completion - will join a community of 275,000 iD Tech alumni have organised robotics clubs, started companies, and landed jobs at tech powerhouses like Facebook, Microsoft and Google.
Although there is no set criteria for those wishing to enroll in the week-long courses. For certain genres, Kasper said the pre-requisites like having a working understanding of algebra, may prove beneficial.
A year-round lab space
In addition to the summer camps, iD Tech will also be establishing a year-round lab space this week inside Gems Nations Academy. Described as a "creative makerspace meets Apple store" concept, the flexible learning environment will encourage exploration, collaboration, and experiential learning and will be used year-round, throughout the academic year.
How you can get involved
Where: Gems Nation Academy
When: July 2 (Sunday to Thursday for 8 weeks)
Who can register: Any UAE-based student aged
7-17-years-old
Time: 9am to 5pm (with a family presentation every Thursday at 3.30pm to mark course-end)
Cost: From $800 (depending on course)
Where to book: www.idtech.com/dubai or email dubai@idtech.com
NOTE: Registration is now open and students are welcome to enrol in multiple courses throughout the summer
 Ex-iD Tech kids doing big things
> Parker, a nine-year-old entrepreneur, used his new skills to launch a popular subscription service for Lego fans
> Mark graduated from MIT, interned at Google, then landed his dream job at Microsoft
> Rebecca was recognised by the White House after founding CoderDojo NYC and empowering kids and teens to code
> Ritik developed adjustable, 3D-printed glasses for underprivileged kids around the world

kelly@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai