Technology experts with Albany Can Code and area institutions are working with students in the Capital Region BOCES Game Design and Implementation program to boost their knowledge and expertise in programming and cybersecurity.
Tom Kramer, Vice President of Software Engineering & QA at Albany Medical Center, joined Albany Can Code’s Lee McPeters on Friday to discuss ‘debugging’ technology. The presentation was a continuation of an ongoing collaboration on the topic between McPeters and juniors in the Game Design program. Students previously worked with McPeters and Nicholas Cesare, Senior Release Producer from WB Games New York on debugging and quality control.
Makensie Bullinger, Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Coordinator, said tapping the knowledge of an expert from the healthcare industry shows students how their skills can be used beyond game design.
“This shows our students that there is a wide breadth of opportunities within programming, even in healthcare,” she said.
Also on Friday, seniors in the program worked with Albany Can Code’s Caroline Anders-Maralit on project management in the technology world.
Can Code officials said they enjoy working with the students and are impressed with their skills.
“I’ve been genuinely impressed by the passion our students exhibit towards technology, especially within the realm of video gaming,” McPeters said. “Witnessing their enthusiasm, creativity, and the unique ideas they bring to the table is truly exhilarating.”
Anders-Maralit echoed those sentiments.
“What excites me the most is witnessing the students’ journey of discovery as they encounter new topics and concepts, and then watching them make connections on how these can be applied to their existing coursework within the program”, the tech expert said.
Students said they appreciate the opportunity to work with experts in the industry.
“Being able to hear from someone who has been in the industry for literally decades has been great and very helpful as I plan my career,” said John Collins, who attends the program from Schalmont High School.
Students in the Capital Region BOCES Game Design and Implementation program learn the “ins” and “outs: of video game design, 3-D modeling and computer programming. They also learn the history of games and create a wide variety of games, including board games, card games and dice games while exploring various art concepts during the first year and 3-D modeling during the second year of the program.
Enrollment is currently underway for the 2024-25 school year. For more information on career and technical school programs, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/.