Technology


Computer Science

All Ages|Free with membership | All Locations

Engage Club members on a journey to learn computer science based on their needs and unique interests. Club members will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and coding through this Computer Science program. The program structure is easy for staff to facilitate and will help members learn the code that runs the web, computer programs, robots and video games. Core programs in the Computer Science pathway are:

  • Hour of Code: Learn the basic concepts of computer science

  • CS Unplugged: Explore computer science concepts with no need for computers, internet or other devices

  • App Lab: Build mobile apps for Android devices

  • edX: Take online classes and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) from the world’s best universities

  • Scratch: Take online classes and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) from the world’s best universities

 

Digital Literacy Essentials

Ages 8-15 |Free with membership | All Locations

Digital Literacy Essentials activities are engaging and exciting project experiences that provide members of all ability levels with a foundation of technology skills that explore digital safety, privacy, digital presence, online communication and the educational fun of retro gaming.

 

Netsmartz

All Ages |Free with membership | All Locations

NetSmartz teaches internet safety skills through engaging multimedia activities and offline interaction with Club professionals. There are three age-appropriate modules: Clicky's Web World (ages 6 to 7); NetSmartz Rules (ages 8- 12); and I-360 (ages 13-18). Topics include personal safety, shopping safety and ethical use of the Internet. Youth ages 12 and younger can learn more here. Teens, parents and Club staff can learn about internet safety here. BGCA collaborated with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to develop NetSmartz. Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. This course is required for internet use at the Club.