Tech Camp 2020 will take place using Zoom virtual meeting technology and various applications will be used during sessions. Please read the following information carefully and take action where appropriate. Help support is available with more information under the Need Help? tab.

Personal computer required
A personal computer connected to the Internet with an operating microphone, speakers or headphones and camera is required. For low-bandwidth connections, consider using Zoom dial-in for the audio connection.

Tech Journey account required
Your Google Account on the techjourney.org domain is required so make sure you have signed in prior to camp. New students were provided sign in instructions via separate communication. You can manage your Tech Journey account and access many resources through the G Suite Dashboard.

Chromebook or Chrome browser recommended
We recommend Chrome for the best experience at camp. The Chrome browser is built-in on all Chromebooks. For other devices, Chrome can be downloaded and installed on a personal computer running Windows, Mac or Linux. Sign in to the Chromebook or Chrome browser using your Tech Journey account.

Zoom account and activation required
All Tech Camp sessions will be conducted via Zoom Meetings but first you must activate your Zoom account. From the G Suite Dashboard, click on the Gmail application and sign in with your Tech Journey account. Look for the email “Zoom account invitation” and follow the instructions to activate your Zoom account selecting the Sign in with Google option and using your Tech Journey account.

Attending Introduction to Coding & Python OR Creating Web Apps with Python & Flask? (8th-9th grades only)
You will need to register for a PythonAnywhere Beginner Account.

Attending Creating A/V Content using WeVideo? (8th grade only)
Go to WeVideo and Sign up with Google using your Tech Journey account.

Attending Creating Cool Projects with micro:bit? (9th grade only)
Go to Microsoft Makecode for micro:bit. No account needed.

Attending Information Security: Capture the Flag? (10th-12th grades only)
Further information will be provided at the beginning of the session.

Attending Programming Arduino using Tinkercad? (10th-12th grades only)
You will need to create a Tinkercad Personal Account. Select the Sign in with Google and use your Tech Journey account with Tinkercad.

Attending Web Development with HTML/CSS/JS? (10th-12th grades only)
Sign up for CodePen Free Account.

Attending Game Development with PlayCanvas? (10th-12th grades only)
Use Google to sign in with your Tech Journey account at PlayCanvas.

Monday, August 3 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm

With keynote speaker, Julian Sanchez, Director of Emerging Technologies, John Deere

Monday, August 3 through Wednesday, August 5 from 2:45 to 4:15 pm daily

Introduction to Coding & Python
Led by Davien Schweitzer, Software Engineer, Principal Financial Group
This session introduces 8th grade students to the Python programming language and basic coding principles such as loops, conditionals and variables. Students will use these fundamentals to create a few interactive apps with Python. A PythonAnywhere Beginner Account is required.

Creating Web Apps with Python & Flask
Led by Andrew Schwenk, Automation Engineer, John Deere
This session introduces 9th grade students to building simple web applications using Python and Flask. Students will create a couple of simple web application in Python. A PythonAnywhere Beginner Account is required.

Information Security: Capture the Flag
Led by Stacy Monroe & Brandon Murphy, Board Members, SecDSM
This session will enable upper class students to exercise different skillsets as they work to solve various security challenges. Students earn flags and points as they complete challenges toward winning the game. Virtual machines and further information will be provided at the beginning of the session by SecDSM.

Programming Arduino using Tinkercad
Led by Shayne Rich, Staff Engineer, John Deere
This session introduces upper class students to electronics and Arduino. Students will create electronic circuits and computer programs that control the circuit behavior. To aid session delivery, Tinkercad will be used for simulation but students will also be able to apply their new knowledge using the Elegoo UNO R3 Basic Starter Kit. Create a Tinkercad Personal Account by selecting Sign in with Google and use your Tech Journey account.

Tuesday, August 4 through Thursday, August 6 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm daily

Creating A/V Content using WeVideo
Led by Joe Struss, Owner, New Renaissance Video
This session introduces 8th grade students to creating video content. Students will create a 30 second commercial using WeVideo software as a service. WeVideo accounts will be provided by Tech Journey so you must go to WeVideo and select the Sign up with Google using your Tech Journey account.

Creating Cool Projects with BBC Micro:bit
Led by Jessie Puls, Development Manager, DHI Group Inc.
This session introduces 9th grade students to the BBC Micro:bit computer and its capabilities. Students will see how programs differ in blocks versus text languages as they create fun projects using the Micro:bit. Students will use the Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit editor (blocks and JavaScript). No account required.

Web Development with HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Led by Toran Billups, Software Engineer, Legends of Learning
This session introduces upper class students to front-end web development. Students will create some simple apps/games utilizing functions. A CodePen Free Account is required.

Game Development with PlayCanvas
Led by Garritt Grandberg, VP Technology & Engineering, Visionary Services Inc.
This session introduces upper class students to basics of 3D game development. Students will create a computer game in PlayCanvas that interacts with the user. Use Google to sign in with your Tech Journey account at PlayCanvas.

Thursday, August 6 from 2:45 to 4:15 pm

How to Leverage Technical Skills to Get a Job in Any Field
With keynote speaker, Matt McDonald, Director of Talent Acquisition Consultation, Professional Project Partners (P3)

During Tech Camp Sessions

1. In Zoom Chat, send a message asking for assistance.
2. In Zoom, mute your audio and video.
3. Wait for a mentor to respond to your request and provide a Google Meet link.
4. Click on the Google Meet link.
5. In the Google Meet waiting room, make sure your audio and video settings are on.
6. Click the Join now button.
7. In the meeting, click the Present now button to share your screen if needed.
8. When done getting help, click the Leave call icon. You will receive a message stating you left the meeting.

Or send an email with your help request to help@techjourney.org

Join us in giving a huge shout-out to these generous sponsors who have made Tech Camp 2020 possible.