After Galileo was left without an after school technology program this year, after “Code Nation” could no longer afford to offer these opportunities to students, interim principal, Mr. Panjabi stepped in to keep these types of classes at Galileo by bringing in a similar program called “MissionBit”. This program will also offer a VR class after school, and instead of being held at MissionBit’s location, Mr Panjabi convinced them to teach a class at Galileo
Codenation had been offering technology classes with coding, website design, and internship opportunities based on performance for the last 6 years, but unfortunately, budget cuts affected Codenation and was no longer able to offer classes at Galileo and across the entire San Francisco school district.Believing it is important for students to have access to these types of classes at school, Mr. Panjabi reached out to MissionBit.
MissionBit will hold a semester-long coding course will take place at Galileo in room 260. For those interested, the application is due on January 28th and the class will begin February 12- May 4th, Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-6pm. Mr. Panjabi requested MissionBit to teach students coding and programming through VR, seeing the trending interest in virtual reality (VR) in the media.
Mr. Panjabi said, “I’m excited to be able to bring the MissionBit mentors to teach classes at Galileo because this will make it easier for students to attend. I’m highly encouraging them to apply and try something new.”
Students who were asked about the program seemed interested in learning about it, although most were surprised to hear that the class is even being offered at Galileo. Junior Derek Z. said, “I didn’t even know we had a vr class about coding after school. I think its pretty fascinating and would consider applying. This could be a new experience rather than sitting in a class all day, with learning through vr maybe we could participate and engage more.”
Alma L. added, “I think it’s pretty interesting because ive never been an area where they encourage students to learn through vr. It’ll be an interesting way to educate students about programming and coding.”
While some students are interested in the class, others are disappointed it can only happen after school. Junior Kaitlyn L. said, “I think it’s cool but I also think the timing is inconvenient because I have a lot of extracurriculars to do after school. But I think its cool learning about coding and programming through VR.”
MissionBit is a program that is run in the mission offering computer science classes to youth in the bay area, where they can build tech and coding skills. They want to equip the next generation with skills they need to succeed in a career powered by technology. This class, scheduled from February 12th to May 4th, 2024, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore coding and programming beyond regular school hours. Aims to provide 12-15 students.
