Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: iTeach is a flagship event held annually, where we visit government schools to teach children fundamental computing concepts. This year, in collaboration with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), we engaged 60 students from classes 1 to 7. With the support of 15 dedicated volunteers, we introduced the basics of technology, programming, and problem-solving in an interactive and accessible way. EVENT DESCRIPTION: For the younger students in classes 1 and 3, we introduced basic computational concepts like sorting through engaging, hands-on activities. By organizing objects or numbers in specific orders, students learned how sorting works in the real world. We used posters to visually explain the concept, making it easy for all students to follow. Sorting activities like arranging numbers in ascending order helped build logical thinking and problem-solving skills, while showing how this simple skill is essential in both computing and everyday life. For students in classes 3 to 6, we introduced coordinate geometry, teaching them how to locate points on a grid using X and Y coordinates. Grid sheets were provided, allowing students to plot points and create shapes. Through activities like mapping out a treasure hunt, students saw the real-world applications of coordinate geometry in areas like design, navigation, and gaming. For the 7th graders, we focused on flowcharts, an essential tool for problem-solving and programming. Students created flowcharts to break down tasks like making a sandwich or solving math problems, learning the importance of structure and planning in programming. In addition to flowcharts, we also introduced basic algorithms helping them understand how steps are structured to solve problems efficiently. Throughout the time, volunteers used posters, grid sheets, and interactive exercises to make learning both informative and enjoyable. By the end, students gained valuable exposure to computing concepts and developed critical thinking skills. SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: Fun and Activity-Filled Teaching: Employed interactive, hands-on activities and games to make learning enjoyable, ensuring that students not only grasped key concepts but also had fun during the process. Diverse Range of Concepts: Taught fundamental computing concepts such as sorting, coordinate geometry, flowcharts and algorithms, tailored to different grade levels. IMPACT ON ATTENDEES: The event had a profound impact on the attendees, sparking curiosity about technology and computing in young minds. Students gained valuable skills in logical thinking, problem-solving, and basic programming concepts. The hands-on activities and interactive sessions helped them connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. Overall, the experience motivated them to explore further learning in technology and inspired a lasting interest in the field. BEHIND THE SCENES: The backend work for the event involved five collaborative meetings with the ACM team, where we discussed and refined a personalized syllabus, exchanged ideas, and finalized logistical details to ensure a smooth and effective learning experience for the students. We held five meetings with the ACM team to plan and organize the event. During these discussions, we identified the key concepts to be taught, ensuring they were suitable for the students' age groups. We focused on making the learning process engaging and fun by developing interactive ways to teach, such as hands-on activities and visual aids. The team also designed informative posters to help illustrate key concepts. Additionally, we brainstormed other resources and tools to further enhance the students’ learning experience and make the lessons both enjoyable and educational