Computer programming course expands Huot Technical Center offerings

James O'Donnell's Huot Center class and members of the Laconia High School robotics team worked with students in the preschool to program a robot to give a high five. (Courtesy photo)

LACONIA — “Okay, now who wants to give the robot a high five?”

A cautious youngster from Carolyn Lahey's preschool class extends a small hand as a breadbox sized collection of wires, gears and sensors slowly rolls forward. The high school student controlling the robot is equally cautious as he remotely operates the machine's metal gripper into position. The high five is a success and three more volunteers rush forward. Just another day for students in Huot Career and Technical Center’s Computer Programming class.

This past fall, the Huot Center in Laconia realized a long-term goal of launching a series of courses dedicated to computer programming and web application development. The courses are part of a two-year sequence that will teach students a variety of skills related to computer programming and allow them to earn up to 12 college credits through Project Running Start at Lakes Region Community College.

“We have known for some time we wanted to offer something in the computer science field,” said Huot Director David Warrender. “But it needed to be something that was both in demand career wise and of high student interest. We are a public school of choice and we need to be sure our offerings appeal to teenagers and their parents.” The Huot Center, located adjacent to Laconia High School, draws around 400 students a year from the region's six high schools and is hoping computer programming will expand enrollment even further.

Warrender also pointed out that for programs at the Huot Center, there is another key variable, the instructor. He said  they were extremely lucky to find their current instructor, James O’Donnell.

“Honestly, it is pretty hard to lure people out of high-paying industries to come teach high school classes," he said. "We happened to find someone who is both knowledgeable and really wants to teach kids – we just had to look a little further afield.”

O’Donnell joined the Huot Center this fall after deciding with his family to relocate from Texas back to the East Coast. O’Donnell had already started the transition from computer programmer to teacher while in Texas and came to Laconia with experience working in a variety of different educational settings. He is passionate about what computer programming can mean to a student's future.

"The influence technology has had so far on society and culture is nothing compared to what is on the horizon and I want our students to be the ones to make that happen," says O'Donnell in explaining why he entered the teaching profession. "I jumped at the chance to have a meaningful impact on the course of information technology and to help so many young people have more rewarding and productive lives."

But he has had to work hard to build the program from the ground up.

“When we start a new program, we have the outline of the course, equipment and have set-up the post-secondary connections but there is still a lot of work to do,” said Warrender.

This year the center offered two sections of the course, Intro to Computers and Intro to Programming. Next year they will be adding an additional course titled Website and Web Application Development.

"Web apps are more than pushing static content out to passive customers," said O'Donnell. "I want to encourage thoughtful response to issues that matter to our students and help them think critically about how technology might help provide solutions."

So far, the effort seems to be paying off. A student from the program, Beth Newton, was awarded an Honorable Mention for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing, community supporters are coming forward and student interest for next year is on the rise.

Students have also had the opportunity to share their knowledge with others through activities such as bringing Hour of Code to several elementary schools in the district.

"Teaching younger students to do what I like to do is amazing," said student Adam Michalewicz.

The Hour of Code activity is part of a national effort to introduce fundamental programming skills across grade levels. Young students are introduced to programming concepts and skills in an interactive format that feels like playing a game.

"They wanted to beat a level so quickly," added Michalewicz. " Knowing that the kids actually like what we are teaching is such a great feeling."

In addition to computer programing at the Huot Center, O’Donnell also teaches two computer-based electives for Laconia High School and is the advisor for LHS’s newly formed robotics team. While robotics are only a small part of the overall computer programming curriculum, Warrender said this is an important connection.

“We are still in a place where not everyone knows what CTE is about," he said. "Having Mr. O’Donnell deeply connected to these students in their freshmen and sophomore year is a great feeder into our program.”

Students began their year learning the foundations of computer hardware and basic networking. They are currently working in the Python programming language, which has many applications cross industries.

O’Donnell is excited to see growth in the program with the addition of the new class next year and expanded industry partnerships. He is also planning ways his class can partner with other Huot courses, such as biotechnology, to explore emerging uses of computer programming.

"At this point technology is growing at such an incredible rate and expanding into every sector of the economy," explained O'Donnell. "My students are in a unique position to collaborate with other groups and all the teachers I have connected with are eager to incorporate new technology into their subjects."

The Huot Center is currently accepting student applications for computer programming as well as 11 other career-based programs. Classes are open to high school juniors and seniors from Belmont, Franklin, Gilford, Inter-Lakes, Laconia and Winnisquam Regional High School.

A student practices computer networking using a Raspberry Pi, a fully functional credit-card-sized computer, at the Huot Center. (Courtesy photo)