PROGRAMS
& CLASSES
IT Computer Wiz Kids is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focusing on STEAM-ME (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, money management and etiquette) a program that instructs children, youth, and adults and prepares them for careers in information technology in a fun, exciting, learning environment and to provide technology education and job training that will prepare them for life.
(The Bits) Ages 5-12 and Ages
13-17 “The Computer Petting Zoo”
Basic Computer History / Identifying the inner parts of a computer. The instructors will provide an in depth introduction of themselves and their careers. Explaining the different types of computers, including laptops, desktops, servers, and cloud computing, along with their components/parts. They will use interactive presentations to display each component and emphasize the importance of naming and identifying the basic parts of the computer, such as the motherboard, RAM or memory, the hard drive, the power supply, and the CPU (central processing unit). The hands-on activity includes “Dissecting the Computer” and understanding how it works. Take apart the CPU (Central Processing Unit) identify each component and put it back together.
(The Bytes) Ages 5-12 or Ages 13-18 Introduction to Programming with
Scratch & Java.
Students will learn programming concepts and be introduced to the fundamentals of coding by introducing them to languages including Ruby, JavaScript, Python C, and C++. These languages will serve as entry points for learning how to program.
Handson activity with Scratch (a project of Hour of Code by MIT Media Lab), creating an interactive adventure with a cool cat and stackable code blocks.
(Kilobytes) Teen program Ages 13-17 :
“Building the Ultimate Gaming PC”/ Internet Safety for Youth and Electronic Etiquette
This demonstration will teach students the differences between gaming on a computer and gaming on a console. They will also learn how to play games with others at Multiplayer Gaming LAN Parties and use emulators to play games from the X-Box 360, PlayStation on their computer. While consoles may be easier to use and more affordable, gaming on a PC can offer better graphics and smoother gameplay. Additionally,
PC gaming allows for more customization options, like installing mods and adjusting graphics settings. Multiplayer Gaming, LAN Party, Cloud Gaming. Understanding, Modding, Torrents, BitTorrents.
Internet Safety for Youth and Electronic Etiquette and Healthy Technology
This demonstration will teach students the differences between gaming on a computer and gaming on a console. They will also learn how to play games with others at Multiplayer Gaming LAN Parties and use emulators to play games from the X-Box 360, PlayStation on their computer. While consoles may be easier to use and more affordable, gaming on a PC can offer better graphics and smoother gameplay. Additionally,
PC gaming allows for more customization options, like installing mods and adjusting graphics settings. Multiplayer Gaming, LAN Party, Cloud Gaming. Understanding, Modding, Torrents, BitTorrents.
Healthy Technology
In our increasingly digital world, understanding how to use technology in a healthy way is crucial. The Healthy Technology portion of the program will cover several important topics:
●Healthy Online Interactions
●Learning how to interact with others online positively.
●Developing skills to communicate effectively and respectfully.
●Staying private online and understanding the importance of online privacy.
●Healthy Online Interactions
●Strategies to remain as anonymous as possible, being careful what you post/upload and downloading. Recognizing the long-term impact of your digital footprint and how to evaluate the
safety and appropriateness of content you share or download.
●Reaching out for help and helping those who are being bullied
●Managing Screen Time, and taking regular breaks
●Exploring Alternatives to Social Media: Getting outdoors enjoying nature to refresh your mind, and meeting friends in person instead of online to build meaningful connections.
Session 1- Introduction to Computer
Building and How They Work Ages 14-18
Classes can be designed for 2.0 hours or 5.0 hours per day programming
Students will take a pretest to evaluate knowledge and skills, followed by handson activities where students disassemble Dell desktop and laptop computers to facilitate learning the basics of computer hardware and study for A+ Certification training and network support.
Students will:
●Learn to identify and describe each component of the computer and what it does.
●Troubleshoot PCs and Laptops, analyze, and repair computer errors and the Blue Screen
of Death (BSoD)
●Study the relationship of increased computer use in society to jobs in the IT field. What Types of IT Jobs are in the computer industry? How much can one earn?
●How to have a “Plan B,” to develop a career in IT. Request tuition reimbursement to pay
for training and obtain certifications (A+, MCSE, Network+, and other certifications).
●Hands-on dissecting the Computer: Have a contest where students take apart computers or laptops, identify each component, then and reassemble them to win cool tech prizes.
●Students will also learn career soft skills which include but not limited to customer service, help desk etiquette, and necessary people skills to communicate. Additionally, students will mirror the A+ Certification training and network support standards, which will prepare them for entry into the computer industry.
*Session 2- Fundamentals of coding using HTML, JavaScript, Python C, and C++
Introduction to Programming/Coding: Students will learn introductory programming concepts to engage in free form coding to create coding projects. Instructors will introduce students to the fundamentals of coding by introducing and explaining how languages like HTML, JavaScript, Python C, and C++ are used in our everyday lives. These languages will serve as entry points for learning how to program.
Hands-on Activity:
Students begin experimenting with coding, logic, and storytelling to develop and create their creations with Scratch (a project of Hour of Code by MIT Media Lab), and Code.org applications to create an interactive adventure with a cool cat and stackable code blocks.
Networking, Cybersecurity and
CLOUD 101 Fundamentals
Students will gain a foundational understanding of computer networks and network security principles. We will discuss internet web servers, TCP/IP, and network security. A brief history of the Internet and a glimpse into emerging/future technology such as Microsoft's Azure, Google,
Amazon’s AWS Cloud, and other cloud computing platforms will also be covered, and discuss what’s needed to obtain certifications.
●Students will learn about IP addresses and VPNs
●Internet Safe Surfing (How to Avoid Becoming a Hacker’s Victim) Careers
Available (What do you want to be when you grow up?) (App Developer, Ethical Hacker, or System Administrator?) Career Paths: Exploration of potential careers in the field such as: App Developer, Ethical Hacker, System Administrator.
Introduction to Budgeting and Money Management
Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that empowers successful money management, entrepreneurship, and decision-making skills, from a young age. The coursework aims to provide children and young adults with a foundational understanding of financial concepts, enabling them to develop healthy financial habits and a savvy outlook on money.
