Sixth and seventh grade students at Saint Aloysius School in Jackson recently took part in The Verizon App Challenge. This is a nationwide contest for middle and high-school-aged students that challenge them to develop concepts for mobile apps that solve a problem in their community. It is a unique, hands-on learning program that teaches collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, and entrepreneurship. Its aim is to equip students with skills needed to succeed in the jobs of the future, delivering to students the promise of a brighter future.
Sixth and seventh grade students learned how to design, research, document, and present an original app to address a problem or need that has affected their team personally, or that their team is in a unique position to solve. The students broke up into several groups and each group developed its’ own particular app, however, they fell into similar ‘app’ categories: To Help Handle Stress and Anxiety in School, World Language Translator, To Address Bullying, To Address Depression and Suicide, To Assist You In case of Fire or Burglary.
Throughout the process, the students also increased their skills in the areas of; Teamwork and collaboration by working in teams of 5 to 7 members; Critical thinking and Creative Problem Solving; and Entrepreneurial skills.
As a result of looking at the needs of our community, the students also built upon their existing character including empathy and grit. One student, Daniel F. commented, “It helped me become a better person by thinking about, and working with my team to develop an application to help the kids who were bullied and less fortunate.”
While the students were not successful in winning the challenge, it was a creative educational event to be involved in and they intend to enter again in the future.
For more information on Saint Aloysius School please visit us on Facebook at Saint Aloysius School, at our website – www.staloysiusschool.com or call our School Office at 732-370-1515 ext. 312.
Submitted by Olive Taylor
Jackson