Mayor Steven L. Reed and Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ann Roy Moore on Wednesday announced the launch of a cutting-edge new education technology initiative called MGM Codes.
“Today is a transformative moment for Montgomery Public Schools,” Reed said in a statement.
According to a release, MGM Codes will bring the latest technology to students and teachers. It was created by the City of Montgomery and MPS in collaboration with Ed Farm, a nonprofit committed to transforming classrooms and uplifting communities, and Apple.
The public-private partners seek to advance innovation, creativity and outcomes for Montgomery middle school students by increasing access to high-tech tools and teaching assets. The initiative also includes comprehensive professional learning opportunities for Montgomery’s teachers to give them the tools to successfully integrate the new technology into their classrooms.
“MGM Codes will be a catalyst that expands opportunity for Montgomery’s middle school students through the introduction of advanced technology, enhanced teaching methods and STEAM-based learning modules,” Reed advised. “This progress was made possible through our partnership with private sector innovators like Ed Farm and Apple.”
MGM Codes will introduce Montgomery’s students to coding and creativity using iPad and Apple’s Everyone Can Code and Everyone Can Create curricula. Ed Farm will assist in offering programs that target teacher fellows, student fellows, classrooms of tomorrow and code clubs.
“At Ed Farm, we strive to create an inventive world where all people have access to the tools they need to fill or create the jobs of the future,” Ed Farm CEO Waymond Jackson commented. “Last year, with the support of Alabama Power and Apple, we began creating that world in Birmingham. Our partnership with the City of Montgomery and Montgomery Public Schools allows us to expand upon that vision and positions us to serve more communities across the state of Alabama.”
Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations & Education, said in a statement, “At Apple, we believe education is the great equalizer, and we’re proud to support efforts across the state of Alabama to bring coding and creativity opportunities to students and learners of all ages.”
“We are thrilled the City of Montgomery and Montgomery Public Schools are teaming up with Ed Farm, a long-time Apple partner, to increase access to technology opportunities for middle school students across the city,” she added. “We can’t wait to see the incredible ways Montgomery’s students learn, create, and engage through this new ‘MGM Codes’ initiative.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
