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Get Creative! Get Connected! Get Coding!

About the Activity: 

   Learn to design and create games to play with friends using MakeCode.microbit.org

Supplies Needed:

  • A computer for each student

  • Internet Connection

Procedure:

Discussion:

About the Presenters

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Michael Simons

Michael Simons is a Principle Software Engineer at Microsoft in Fargo ND.  He works on the .NET Framework which is a programming toolkit that other software engineers can use to create programs and applications.  The .NET Framework hides a lot of complexities and makes it easier for software engineers to do complicated tasks with computers.

Education: BS in both Computer Science and Mathematics at NDSU.

What made me interested in a STEM career?

When I was in high school, I was introduced to programming and instantly fell in love. Computer Science allows me to build things while solving complex problems which I thoroughly enjoy. 

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Nicole Haugen

Nicole Haugen has worked for Microsoft for 17 years and is currently a Principle Software Engineer Manager.  She works on a team called the “Customer and Partner Engagement Team” in Microsoft’s Developer Division.  In this role, she works directly with other software developers to help them use Microsoft’s technologies to write code, host their applications in the cloud, and more.  She loves working directly with customers and helping them solve problems.  Nicole lives in the small town of Hawley, MN and works remotely from her team and customers.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her two young sons.  She also enjoys running, reading, cooking, and interior design.

Education:

NDSU, BA in Computer Science; Mathematics minor

NDSU, Master of Business Administration

What made me interested in a STEM career?

When I was in high school, I wanted to go to college for English\Art.  But, my senior year, I was fortunate to have a teacher introduce me to web design which showed me that I could combine all my interests with computers\technology.  This led me to instead pursue Computer Science in college – once I learned how fun it was to write code, I was convinced this was the right major for me.

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Reka Leeaphon

Reká Leeaphon is a senior at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities studying Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Driven by a passion for understanding the relationship between consumers and technology, Reká also works as a Software Engineering intern at Jamf and volunteers as a workshop mentor for North Dakota TechMobile. In her free time, she enjoys taking ballet classes and doing photography.

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