The new Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Informational Technology Satellite program at Indian Lake High School is teaching students how to think behind the screen.
Wes Hall leads the program at ILHS.
“More and more of what we use is digitally based,” said Hall. “What I’m finding out is that the students use technology constantly, but they don’t really understand what makes it all happen.”
The aim of the new IT program is to learn the basis of how computers work and build the skills necessary to code and create programs.
Hall has dozens of students in two Introduction to Information Technology courses, two Computer Programming courses, and one Game Design course. He also teaches a technology-focused Career Readiness class at Indian Lake Middle School.
Prior to his move to ILHS, Hall spent many years as an educator at Indian Lake Elementary School, most recently leading computer classes for grades K-4. OHP provides students with HP ProBooks to use in the IT courses.
ILHS senior Isaac Galbraith is enjoying learning new skills as a Computer Programming student.
“We’ve already learned the basics of coding to be able to ask simple questions on a homepage. It’s cool to be able to think through how to make what you want to happen, actually happen.”
In addition, Hall said the classes have already had several discussions surrounding Artificial Intelligence. He explains that in the computer programming world, “we want students to realize AI is there to assist, but it can’t replicate true human passion and creativity. We are studying the good and the bad, what is it really doing behind the scenes, and how is it already influencing our daily lives?”
“We are excited to partner with Indian Lake to offer this innovative program to students,” said OHP Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith. “Information technology is constantly evolving, and this program not only opens up new career pathways but also equips students with the skills needed for future careers—some of which may not even exist yet.”
Upper Scioto Valley High School also hosts an OHP IT Satellite program. Right now, any ILHS students may take any IT course, and all the courses are yearlong classes.
