Google Awards UA Computer Science Grant

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Alabama
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<p>July 6, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Google recently awarded Dr. Jeff Gray, associate professor of computer science at The University of Alabama, a $15,000 grant to fund a computer science program for high school teachers July 25-27.</p>

<p>UA is one of a few universities to receive the grant, and it is one of only two schools in the Southeast to receive the honor.</p>

<p>The Computer Science for High School, or CS4HS, program, an initiative sponsored by Google, aims to promote computer science education. With a grant from Google’s Education Group, universities around the world receive funding for three-day workshops for high school teachers.</p>

<p>During UA’s workshop, about 30 high school teachers throughout Alabama and the Southeast will learn how to develop Android applications and will be informed about emerging computer science curricula. The teachers can then take their knowledge and apply it directly within their schools by developing apps for their classroom and introducing concepts of computer science to their students.</p>

<p>The workshop at UA will focus specifically on Scratch and Google’s App Inventor. Scratch is a programming language geared toward young people. It allows users to easily create interactive programs, animations, games, music and art that can be shared on the web. Google’s App Inventor is a visual block language that can be used to easily create Android apps.</p>

<p>Google’s support will cover the cost of the program including all meals, housing and transportation. Participating teachers will work on a small project that will serve as examples to post on the website and share with Google.</p>

<p>~snipped~</p>

<p>[University</a> of Alabama News Google Awards UA Computer Science Grant](<a href=“http://uanews.ua.edu/2011/07/google-awards-ua-computer-science-grant/]University”>http://uanews.ua.edu/2011/07/google-awards-ua-computer-science-grant/)</p>

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<p>Awesome, Roll Tide!</p>

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<p>I figure it’s a foot in the door with Google…if this goes well, more money/grants to come. </p>

<p>:)</p>

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<p>Good point, mom! It’s a very special honor for Dr. Jeff Gray. Congratulations!</p>