Students learn computer skills at 'Building with Google'

Apr. 29—CALDWELL COUNTY — On Friday, April 26, more than 60 Caldwell County 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students gathered at the Freedman Cultural Center for Building with Google, an event that encourages students interested in STEM fields by providing hands-on experience with computers and programing. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the students, assisted by Google Data Center volunteers, built their own computers using Raspberry Pi devices, according to a press release by Google.

Since 2009 Google has developed a reputation for its community involvement thanks to its community investments and green initiatives. According to Google, the company has made a total of $1.2 billion in investments in Lenoir and Caldwell County. Google also frequently hosts events to encourage children's interest in the sciences, such as the famous now-discontinued N.C. Gravity Games. The regular Building with Google event is connected to the Students@Work program, created by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, according to the press release.

"It's such a great event," said Daryell Pennell, chair of the board of education. "I always look forward to seeing the students." Pennell shared that the program started in the late 2010s to provide experience and knowledge through practice.

At lunchtime, Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons spoke to the students and thanked Google and the school system, before they were dismissed for pizza. Gibbons pointed out that the students were having the opportunity to learn things that he would never have been able to.

Happy Valley student Savannah Adkins learned "that computers are pretty easy to set up," and different ways she might utilize technology in her desired profession in veterinary care or as a SWAT officer.

Graham Ladner, however, learned skills he can directly apply as he studies for a career in coding and programming. He also gained a stronger appreciation for the work game developers have to contribute to making his favorite games run.

Dawn Smith, a teacher at the Caldwell Online Academy, and Anna Reynolds, media coordinator at Granite Falls Middle School, said that this year's event was well-orchestrated. They said that more volunteers led to a smoother learning experience that helped students keep up with the lessons. Smith and Reynolds also said that while students had some technology education, such as a little coding, they had not experienced anything like this hands-on exercise.

Smith went on to note that her online students might not have many opportunities to share their interests in-person without events like this. While there are many individuals interested in computers, so much programming work happens online that learning the skillsets needed can be isolating at times. Smith said Building with Google gives her students the chance to share a space with like-minded individuals, and that chance would mean something special to them.

The adults in the room all seemed impressed by how quickly the students were picking up these computer skills. During lunch and halfway through her interview, Reynolds noticed that some of the students had taught themselves how to play Minecraft on their newly-built devices — and had to excuse herself when, within seconds, half the room had the game up and running.

As a final surprise for the students, the learning session ended with the announcement that the computers and accessories the students had built were being donated to them by Google. Each student was able to take home the fruits of their labor, to continue practicing their new skills and put the hardware to work preparing for the future.

"It's a wonderful gift to provide," said Gibbons, "An opportunity that we are so honored to have, having Google in our community. We appreciate the chance Google, the city and the county offers [students]."

"Google seeks to inspire the next generation to dive into the world of tech," said Brad Hefner, operations manager at the Lenoir Data Center. "We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with Caldwell County Schools and for the chance to provide hands-on learning opportunities to so many students."