Students at Vanier Elementary in St. John’s demonstrated their creativity, problem-solving skills and expertise in coding and technology today as the Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, updated the province on work to enhance the development of technology skills in young people. This initiative is part of government’s overall efforts to increase technology sector business activity and private sector jobs. The ministers were joined by Jeff Wilson, Executive Director, Atlantic, Brilliant Labs.
The Provincial Government has partnered with Brilliant Labs, an organization that supports coding, computational thinking and Maker Education in schools, to provide youth with hands-on participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused activities. Since the launch in April 2018, 11,000 students and youth have taken part in a coding activity or learning experience, such as workshops, summer camps, and demonstrations. The initiative has reached 65 per cent of the province’s schools, with 2,400 teachers receiving professional learning.
This partnership with Brilliant Labs aligns with key initiatives of The Way Forward, such as the Education Action Plan, the Technology Sector Work Plan and the Business Innovation Agenda. A goal of the Technology Sector Work Plan is to enhance the development of K-12 technology skills through engagement with the technology industry, including increased exposure to coding and participation in youth technology experience programs. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“It is incredible to think that in just over a year, more students than ever before have been exposed to the world of technology and coding and that 30 Makerspaces have been established where students have everything they need to explore, create, problem-solve and see first-hand the opportunities that exist in the technology sector.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“The importance of developing talent and interest in STEM is paramount to growth of the technology sector over the long-term. This must start at an early age and the partnership with Brilliant Labs is the kick-start for tomorrow’s technology industry leaders. The demand for these skills is growing, and our support for this initiative aligns with our priorities from the Technology Sector Work Plan and Business Innovation Agenda to increase exposure to coding and participation in youth technology experience programs.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“We are incredibly excited with the way students and teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador have responded to this initiative. It is more important than ever for our students to learn the digital skills and competencies necessary so they can help shape a future which is being transformed by advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation.”
Jeff Wilson
Brilliant Labs
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Media contacts
Tina Coffey
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Jeff Wilson
Brilliant Labs
506-442-9095
jeff@brilliantlabs.ca