Last weekend, teams of local students gathered to compete in the Great Computer Challenge (GCC), an opportunity for students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade to demonstrate their knowledge of various computer applications and programming skills. The GCC is a joint project of WHRO, the Consortium for Interactive Instruction and Old Dominion University that provides an opportunity to recognize student achievement, foster teamwork and introduce students to a college environment. Teams of up to five students compete in categories such as Desktop Publishing, Object-Oriented Business Programming, Graphic and Web Design, Music Composition, Video Editing, and more.
This most recent competition was for the Junior division, grades K-5. Now in its 34th year, this year's junior competition featured 91 teams from 20 schools. Isle of Wright and Gloucester public schools dominated in several of the categories this year with schools from Isle of Wright winning 11 awards and schools from Gloucester winning 10 awards. See the full list of winners.
Since the competition was held on May 4, students enjoyed a Star Wars theme. In addition to the competition, attendees enjoyed fun activities in the WHRO Kids Room. While not competing, the students learned to program their favorite PBS characters to jump, move and dance using the PBS Kids Scratch Jr. app. They also had opportunities to create crafts and explore the PBS Kids Lab with educational games featuring SID the Science Kid, Curious George, Wild Kratts and Odd Squad.
Coaches and parents had the opportunity to test their own technology skills during a mock competition. Learn more about the GCC on the WHRO Education website.