At just 12 years old, Norman Huang’s future job options can only be characterized in one way – full steam ahead and it’s largely because of the training he’s received through an innovative, hands-on learning model that isn’t found in the traditional school system. Enter the world of Steamoji , an after-school science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) program new to Burnaby featuring a curriculum that takes apprentices through a 400-hour program where they learn coding, robotics, 3D printing, digital art and 3D design, as well as other innovative technical skills. Having previously completed his Steamoji training in West Vancouver, Norman is now helping his father Sean launch a Steamoji franchise in Burnaby’s Metrotown Mall in the coming months.
“My son loves it because it gave him a lot of hands-on, project-based learning,” Huang says. “He’s learned a lot of new things about technology and he’s doing all the technical parts to help me set this franchise up because, from the technology perspective, he’s much better than me and he’s a very good helper.” Practical theory, real-world applications Huang says many parents feel that traditional schools don’t adequately prepare their children for the careers of their future.
This feeling is particularly acute for parents currently working in STEAM fields, as they see a disconnect between the skills that are needed and what their children will learn. “Schools are often constrained by slow-c.