Programming Education [CS for All Interview] Yvonne Thomas, General Manager of YouthSpark at Microsoft Corporation’s U.S. headquarters We interviewed Yvonne Thomas of Microsoft Corporation’s U.S. headquarters.
Ms. Thomas is the global lead for “YouthSpark,” a program Microsoft runs worldwide.
YouthSpark is an initiative designed to create opportunities for young people. In Japan, it operates as a program that supports young people—particularly those with limited opportunities—in pursuing higher education, finding employment, and starting their own businesses by promoting the use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and providing opportunities to acquire new skills.
Microsoft Japan has been providing grants to the NPO CANVAS for the “Programming for ALL” project since fiscal year 2016.
The goal of this project is to increase programming learning opportunities for children. CANVAS has been working to establish a model for providing learning opportunities to diverse groups through instructor training sessions in schools and communities, as well as pilot projects and workshops.
We spoke with Mr. Thomas, who visited Japan for the “Programming for ALL” results presentation (related article here: http://itpro.nikkeibp.co.jp/atcl/column/14/499982/042000038/?rt=nocnt)), we spoke with Mr. Thomas, who had come to Japan for the “Programming for ALL” results presentation, about the current state of ICT education overseas, particularly in the United States.
"Computer science education is what really matters,"
says
Yvonne Thomas, General Manager of YouthSpark at Microsoft Corporation's U.S. headquarters.
http://csforall.jp/interview/2408/
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
