Welcome to another exciting episode of the Future Focused Learning Podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Antoinette, who has been a Wiz Kid Learning instructor for the past three years. Antoinette has taught a variety of classes, including artificial intelligence, game design, and Python, just to name a few. In addition to her impressive teaching credentials, Antoinette has a background in computer science and is now embarking on a new journey as an IoT (Internet of Things) engineer.
Listen to the Podcast Episode on Apple Podcast and Spotify: EP05: Preparing Students for Tech Careers ft. Wiz Kid Learning & IoT Engineer
From Childhood Curiosity to Tech Professional
Antoinette's interest in technology began at a young age, around five or six, when she was fascinated by her parents' flip phones and various gadgets. Her passion for understanding how things work continued to grow, leading her to explore video games, sci-fi novels, and eventually, formal education in technology.
The Journey Through Education
Antoinette's tech journey was further solidified during her high school years. She took elective courses in computer science and technical design, which provided her with foundational programming skills and a deeper understanding of technology's structural components. These experiences helped her decide to pursue a degree in computer science and data science from the University of London through a distance learning program.
Teaching at Wiz Kid Learning
As a Wiz Kid Learning instructor, Antoinette has been instrumental in shaping the tech education of countless students. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the "why" behind every lesson, ensuring that students grasp the concepts deeply rather than just following instructions. Her dedication to meaningful instruction has made her a beloved teacher and a role model for aspiring tech enthusiasts.
Preparing for the Future
In our conversation, Antoinette shared valuable insights into how learning technical skills can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. She also discussed the importance of reading, emphasizing how it broadens perspectives and enhances cognitive skills. According to Antoinette, reading helps students understand different viewpoints and develop empathy, which are essential for navigating both personal and professional challenges. She highlighted that combining technical skills with a strong foundation in reading can prepare students for a rapidly evolving future, fostering adaptability, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning.
Looking Ahead
As Antoinette embarks on her new role as an IoT systems engineer, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from her time at Wiz Kid Learning. Her journey is a testament to the power of early tech education and the importance of continuous learning and curiosity.
We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did. Antoinette's story is inspiring and highlights the incredible work our instructors do at Wiz Kid Learning to prepare students for future tech careers. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the intersection of technology and education.
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