Amie Adams responding to Thomas Suarez- 12 year old Apple Developer

What a great inspiration Thomas Suarez is to people of all ages, particularly kids in his generation. To have the enthusiasm, initiative and desire to be able to code in kindergarten is almost unbelievable. Most role models of kids Thomas’ age are fictional heroes, baseball players, or the latest boy band to hit the stage. To know that Steve Job, one of the smartest, most successful men to inspire Thomas at such a young age is incredible. The majority of kids today just want to play on these new gadgets, but having a young child grab their attention to start programming and learning more about the wonderful uses of technology is great for our future.  Getting other kids involved and interested in programming allows them to share different experiences and learn from each other. Independent, hands-on learning is “hands down” the best strategy to use when exploring and figuring out new ideas.

This little boy started an app club at his school where students could design apps and work together in creating new software. I wonder how this would work at my school. Would this sort of program take off here at my school? Honestly, I believe it would. Students today are so engaged in learning if it is to work on a laptop, ipad, or any other piece of technology. To be honest, the students could head the club. Like Suarez said, "students usually know a little more than the teachers." This so true dealing with technology today. I find myself so out of touch with technology that I know I could learn tons from this little guy. What a bright future he has and what amazing things he will achieve!

Amie