In sync with the global initiative, Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) took place at Archbishop Molloy High School from December 4th to 8th, aligning with the birthday of computing luminary Admiral Grace Hopper on December 9, 1906. The week served as an annual rallying point to promote computer science, champion equity in education, and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of students, educators, and partners to the dynamic field.
Molloy's CS Education Week commenced with a dynamic kick-off featuring a series of virtual class chats. Intro to Computer Science students engaged with Brian O'Keefe, a Senior Neptune (Graph) Specialist Solutions Architect at Amazon, while Boeing Engineer and Molloy alumna, Nirmala Ariel Narine ‘19, made an appearance in sophomore and senior coding classes.
Venturing beyond the classroom, students embarked on a virtual Callisto™: Space Innovation Tour at NASA. This cutting-edge virtual experience allowed them to explore NASA's latest innovations and advancements in space technology. From virtual visits to mission control centers, to glimpses of groundbreaking space missions, the tour provided a captivating insight into the limitless possibilities of careers in STEM.
The week continued as students in computer science classes gained firsthand insights into the intricate workings of cloud computing and cutting-edge technologies through an immersive virtual tour of Amazon’s Web Services Data Center. This virtual expedition provided students with a unique opportunity to witness the scale and sophistication of Amazon's infrastructure, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world applications of computer science.
During the week, sophomore CS110 students learned how to harness their creativity to generate abstract images using AI, such as DALLE 2. These images will be utilized in creating an immersive experience installation that will integrate coding, technology, and AI skills in their Advanced Computer Graphics class in the upcoming semester. Adding another layer to the week's activities, students and educators explored the integration of Generative AI into their projects and curriculum, with Ms. Liz Murdocca leading the way in utilizing Generative AI to enhance writing instruction.
Freshman students faced a thrilling challenge in the school-wide Escape Room Knowledge Competition, where solving Python questions was the key to progressing through rooms. The winners of the competition are: Enda Connolly ‘27, first place; Braden Eddy ‘27, second place; and Katelyn Remon ‘27, third place. STEAM club members also showcased their creativity in the annual 3D Christmas Ornament Design competition held during the week. The competition yielded top-notch designs, with recognition bestowed upon the first, second, and third-place winners.
Thank you to the teachers in the CS&E Department, Ms. Boral, Mr. Touzin, and Mr. van Winkel, who organized CS Education Week at Molloy!