Australian high schoolers build coding platform to help learners in Sri Lanka
3 months ago
- #coding
- #education
- #digital-divide
- Neth Dharmasiri, a 17-year-old from Queensland, developed a passion for coding at age 11 after receiving a Python beginner's guide.
- He created 'Thadus,' a digital learning tool to teach coding to beginners, especially in areas with limited internet access.
- The app includes three courses, with a focus on data science due to the current AI boom.
- Neth and his friend Chinmay Lal partnered with Sri Lankan philanthropist Kushil Gunasekera to distribute the app in rural Sri Lanka.
- The app is free for not-for-profits and charities, aiming to bridge the digital divide.
- Education experts highlight the importance of coding skills, comparable to numeracy and literacy, for students globally.
- Dr. Louise Puslednik from the University of Southern Queensland emphasized the app's role in addressing digital access disparities.
- Neth believes anyone can learn to code with the right resources and attitude, advocating for equal access to technology.