It's in the classroom, at home and in most workplaces. Youth that are comfortable and skilled with technology will have many options when its time to choose an educational or career path.
1. My daughter already knows how to use a computer. What will she learn by coming to your programs?
Computer Time: Most youth today are comfortable using computers and use them alot. However, once homework is complete, most of their time on computers is spent instant messaging, surfing the Internet or playing computer games.
At Artech we introduce them to new ways to use new technologies creatively. They learn how to make video games, how robots are programmed to perform and how to assemble animated films. Through this, they learn:
Programming and Logic Skills: They learn how to make video games and at the same time are acquiring early programming skills and learning mathmatical logic.
Real World Applications: With robotics they learn how to problem solve, work on teams and apply technology to simulate real world challenges.
New Ways of Communicating: With storytelling and animation children learn how to create dynamic and interactive animated stories. Incorporating new technologies with traditional storytelling allows for new forms of communication and interactions.
Artists and Engineers: Our instructors are drawn from a wide range of both technology and art fields, such as computer science, visual arts, animation, video game design and engineering.
2. Will my child be sitting at the computer all day?
Complimentary Activities: Computer time is balanced with hands-on building and creative arts time.
Robotic programs devote time to hands-on construction of robots and robotic challenges and competitions.
Claymation and animation activities include time for drawing, clay modeling, photography and filming, stage set design and construction. Film Festivals are held twice during each camp session.
Even Video Game Design programs take time for strategic game planning off computer. Much of the preliminary artwork for game characters and backgrounds is also done on paper. Two Games Tournaments are held each week and include a variety of games on and off computer.
Outdoor and Physical Activities are Important: After all - it's summer! Activities include sketching, photography, swimming and games (varies from week to week, weather dependant).
3. If my son wants to attend more than one week. Will he learn new things?
Customized Curriculum: Our customizable curriculum is perfect for beginner and advanced campers alike. As campers advance our instructors continually introduce them to more intricate features and project challenges. Campers are challenged to stretch their creativity while gaining new and exciting technology skills.
Engaging and Fun: Children and youth are easily engaged with our dynamic curriculum - there is always something new! We embrace new technologies and new forms of creative expression.
Multiple Week Campers: Our sessions are designed so that children and youth attending multiple weeks will be learning something new at each session. As their skills progress more advanced campers are given more advanced challenges.
Campers Grouped by Age and Ability: As much as possible camper groups are determined by age. Occasionally we will also look at ability when placing a camper in one group or another.
5. Are criminal record checks done on instructors?
Record Checks: All our instructors and volunteers are required to have up-to-date criminal record checks before they begin working at Artech.
References are Diligently Checked: We select instructors that have experience working with children or youth, in addition to experience and expertise in a relevant arts or technology field.
Six-to-One Instructor to Camper Ratio: In order to ensure the highest level of instruction, we maintain an average of six students per staff. This ensures that each camper is able to work at his or her own pace and gain the most from our programs.
7. Will my child have to share a computer?
A Computer for Each Camper: For any classes that require ongoing computer usage, such as Video Game Design or Photo Editing, each camper gets to work on their own computer - no doubling up or waiting for turns.
8. My son just wants to build robots. Does he have to go swimming too?
Activities: Within each program we schedule time for physical activities such as swimming and outdoor games. While we encourage all campers to partake in the scheduled activities, we are flexible. We know that many campers attend our programs specifically for the arts and technology topics.
Options: We will find something for your child to do during a scheduled activity that he or she may not want to participate in. Some children enjoy being the group's photographer or helping an Instructor prepare for a session.
9. Will my daughter be the only girl in the group?
Gender Balance: The social dynamics of each group is very important. We are always looking for ways to increase participation of girls in our programs. We strive to have a balance of female to male instructors in our programs.
10. Will my child be able to make video games (or robots) on his/her own after a week at camp?
It's like learning to play guitar, swimming or speaking Italian - time, practice and top quality instruction will maximize the learning experience.
Home Computer: Our programs are set up so that campers will be able to use and practice their skills at home if they have a suitable computer and the requisite software.
Multiple Sessions: Ongoing instruction will foster further growth and development of your child's abilities. Because a lot of what we teach is new material to our campers, attendance at two or more of our camps is recommended to give campers a solid grounding for further independent learning.
After School and Saturday Classes: Presently we offer a variety of after school and Saturday classes at our Bridgewater location and will be offering year round classes in the Halifax region starting in September 2007.
