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Ready and Rearing to Learn!
Twelve Year Old Re-Energized By Computer Camp
Experience at the University of Denver
On the surface, Will O'Neil may seem like an average 12 year-old. At his school in Denver, he is a good student, but like most kids his age, would rather play video games than tackle his homework. What makes Will unique is his fascination with gadgets and his reserved yet entrepreneurial personality. Will attended a computer camp where he gained skills in web design, graphic arts, digital video, and game creation. Now Will is not only motivated in school, but is applying his newly learned skills to his homework and starting a business. More importantly, he has discovered a passion for technology, which has led to an increase in self confidence and leadership roles in school.
Will attended the University of Denver location of iD Tech Camps, a weeklong hands-on technology program where students ages 7 to 17 expand their technology skills in a social, camp setting. This inquisitive student felt at home in this environment. Like most kids born into the digital age, Will was completely willing to tackle the computer without hesitation or reservation. "Will loved the ability to be creative using technology!" said Will's mother.
"The first week at camp I learned how to create a video game and made a game called ‘Not So Human,'" said Will. Using Stagecast™ Creator, a program that builds “sims” (simulations), interactive stories, and games, Will learned how to design a game with multiple characters and multiple levels. The object of his game was to defeat the bad guys and their master to save the world and win! "I uploaded it to the Web and showed it to my family at Family Showcase," said Will. "I could tell they were proud of what I had created."
After just one week at iD Tech Camps, Will's parents noticed a positive change in their son. For the most part, Will had not been excited about learning and going to school. While attending iD Tech Camps, he was ready and willing to go early and begging to stay late to soak up as much information as possible. As a result, his parents decided to enroll him in 3 additional weeks of courses, from Web Design to Video Game Creation.
"I have never seen this sort of enthusiasm from Will, let alone from something educational," said Will's mother. "Even while playing computer games now, Will looks at them differently having created his own game and being a beta tester of other student's games at camp.
Since then, Will has found a way to incorporate his tech skills into his everyday life, both at school and at home. At school, Will has composed several presentations, using animation, graphics, and audio impressing his teachers and peers. He is also taking on leadership roles with vigor and a new confidence. "It feels great to know so much and be able to help my friends on the computer," said Will. "Now I feel like I can do anything with computers now and when I get older."
Recently, he noticed the need for a competent babysitter in his neighborhood. Will became inspired to start his own babysitting business. With the knowledge he gained at camp, Will was able to harness the creative powers of Adobe Photoshop to design babysitter flyers that showcased his abilities and helped prove he was mature and qualified to care for children. He also had the confidence to promote his babysitting business to the neighbors.
And just for fun, Will's working on creating a slideshow with pictures, animations, and audio. His parents are amazed and thrilled that he can spend hours working on an educational hobby. While it used to be a challenge to motivate Will to complete his homework, now he does his work right away so there's more time to spend on his creative technology projects. A myriad of opportunities await Will with his new found enthusiasm for technology.
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