Our Community

Computer Science Basics for Local High School Teachers.

In an ever growing world of technology, Computer Science has become an important and popular subject for students to learn. Seeing the need for a national and worldwide campaign, Google started the Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) initiative, which teams up with universities and industry leaders around the world to promote Computer Science in high school and middle school curriculum. On June 17the, a Secure Mission Solutions Network Engineer, Chris Terry, had the honor to be involved in the most recent CS4HS event at Trident Technical College in North Charleston, S.C.

Trident was one of twenty institutions in the country to receive a grant from Google’s Education Group to hold a CS4HS workshop for Charleston area high school and middle school teachers. The workshop incorporated informational sessions led by a variety of industry leaders focusing in on new and emerging Computer Science curricula. Breakout session topics throughout the day included “Android App Development for Non-programmers,” “Recruiting Girls into Information Technology,” “Medical Simulation Lab,” and “Cyber Security.”

As a part-time adjunct professor at Trident, Terry was invited to lead three breakout sessions throughout the day including “Cloud Computing”, “Internet Traffic,” and “Binary Math behind Computer Networks.” Terry’s background and experience in networking, network security, and cyber security made him a knowledgeable speaker on these topics.

“This is our second year participating in the Google CS4HS program. We were thrilled to host this event again and greatly appreciate Chris’ participation,” said Laurie Boeding, Trident Department Head, Network Systems Management.

Terry’s first session, “Cloud Computing”, attracted a wide variety of teachers interested in cloud security at their schools. Terry gave an overview of how cloud computing works and how it can optimize computer usage at a large school with multiple users. Although there are security concerns with cloud computing, Terry reassured the teachers that cloud networks can be highly secured.

Terry’s afternoon sessions were geared directly to Computer Science teachers. The session “Internet Traffic” was an interactive session in which the teachers acted out how information is packetized, routed, encapsulated, transmitted and received between computers and servers. The teachers were enthusiastic and excited to take the interactive lesson back to their classrooms.

The final session, “Binary Math behind Computer Networks”, taught the teachers the tricks to writing and teaching applied binary math as it pertains to the field, and how to make it easier for students to understand. Knowing that video games are the quickest way to a teenager’s heart, Terry demonstrated how easy binary to decimal conversion can be practiced by using a video game designed by Cisco Systems.

Terry was even asked to participate in the Career Panel about his experience working in the Information Technology field. Terry, along with five other panel members ranging from entry level to senior level positions, answered questions on his typical work day, necessary technical skills, challenges in the field, importance of soft skills, potential salary ranges, and more.

“The experience was very enlightening and challenging. I look forward to being invited to participate next year and hope to either refine my delivery of the material or offer something new,” said Terry.

Terry’s involvement in this event provided great representation of Secure Mission Solutions to other local industry leaders and educators. Terry plans to remain highly involved with Trident Technical College through teaching and volunteering.