Tutoring Computer Science High School Students

As a result of the war, there is a risk that many high school students, who were preparing towards the five-unit matriculation in computer science, will drop out. This risk is imminent, since computer science is typically chosen as a second (optional) major, and the learning process requires continuous practice and ongoing preparation of assignments, with hands on support from the teacher. However, many of the computer science teachers across Israel have been called up for reserve service in the army and students are expected to keep studying independently or with a substitute teacher.

The Technion is proposing to help address this problem by recruiting a cadre of 100 volunteers from among its students. The volunteers will go through short term professional preparation and be assigned with small groups of between 2-3 high school students. The volunteers will meet the high school students via Zoom for a couple of hours every week and support them in their learning until the matriculation exam. The program is coordinated with the Ministry of Education, which has committed to approaching principals of high schools where the computer teacher is currently absent due to the war.

* The text above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors / Grant 561