In a pivotal meeting that signals a promising future for computer science education in the Philippines, officers from the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Philippines had the honor of meeting with Ms. Doyeon Kim, the esteemed Head of Partnerships for the Asia-Pacific region at Code.org, on April 6, 2024. This significant encounter marks the beginning of what is hoped to be a fruitful collaboration aimed at enhancing CS education across the nation.
Doyeon Kim, whose remarkable career spans across technology, education, and the nonprofit sector, brings to the table a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering educators and students alike. With a background that includes a tenure at IBM, alongside founding educational and women's empowerment organizations in the US and APAC, Ms. Kim's leadership at Code.org has been instrumental in driving partnerships that support and promote computer science education globally.
A Meeting of Minds
The meeting served as a platform for CSTA Philippines to introduce its mission, vision, and ongoing efforts to integrate computer science into the K-12 education system in the Philippines. CSTA PH officers provided Ms. Kim with a comprehensive brief on the state of CS education in the country, highlighting the challenges, successes, and aspirations that define the landscape.
In turn, Ms. Kim shared insights into Code.org's upcoming initiatives, notably the impending launch and promotion of a new musical tool designed to make learning code more accessible and engaging for students. This innovative tool is set to be featured in the upcoming Scratch Day in Iloilo, among other collaborative efforts between CSTA Philippines and Code.org.
Looking Forward to Exciting Collaborations
The meeting underscored the shared objectives of CSTA Philippines and Code.org: to ensure that computer science becomes a cornerstone of education for all students. The prospect of combining CSTA PH's local insight and network with Code.org's global resources and expertise opens up new avenues for making computer science education more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful.
Scratch Day in Iloilo, already a highly anticipated event, will now also serve as a platform to showcase the fruits of this budding partnership. Participants can look forward to experiencing Code.org's new musical tool, which promises to add an exciting dimension to learning and teaching code.
Stay Tuned for More
This initial meeting between CSTA Philippines and Code.org's Doyeon Kim is just the beginning. Both organizations are committed to exploring further partnerships and support mechanisms that will benefit the future of computer science education in the Philippines. As plans develop and new projects are unveiled, the education community is encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this exciting partnership.
The collaboration between CSTA Philippines and Code.org represents a significant step forward in the mission to empower students and educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and innovate in a digital world. Through shared goals, resources, and passion for education, this partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on the landscape of computer science education in the Philippines and beyond.