Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

Mark Scott is the name of the enterprising technologically savvy individual who has sought to better the educational experience of children by way of imparting his own expertise in the area.

Having his fair share of academic troubles in high school, he had the light bulb moment of starting his own company to help children.

Scott, through his company Academic Journies, will be staging the second technology camp at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, this summer over the duration of four weeks. The programme will see children ages eight to 17 being introduced to skill sets inclusive of website design, cartoon animation and mobile app design.

Scott is of the belief that students who explore computer programming also develop analytical and critical thinking skills and become more independent thinkers.

Additionally, the Academic Journies creator saw the camp as an opportunity to bring services that would generally be available only in first world countries to Jamaica and notes that he is quite pleased with the results he has garnered thus far.

Scott decided to use various tools in which children are made to appreciate the mindset of technology and to generate an interest in the area. Through a number of blended learning methods, the entity's 'can't fail' marathons are a hit in assisting students to excel in subjects in which they are deficient.

Scott's ultimate dream is to introduce the programme to primary and secondary institutions across the island. Until then, a summer programme will be held for those who show even a basic aptitude for technology.

"Sometimes parents think that a child will be a certain thing in a particular career, but even though the child may be a lawyer or a doctor, technology is one of those things that there's nothing wrong with the child knowing how to build a website from early," Scott explained. "It teaches them critical thinking, teaches them how to be independent thinkers, teaches them how to do problem solving and how to be self-governed individuals. No matter what they may face in life, they are sufficiently resilient to handle challenges."

Unfortunate experiences

Having had a number of unfortunate educational experiences growing up, Scott thought that there must be a better way to enhance a child's educational experience.

"I am able to talk to them not only from theory, but practically. I know the amount of depression I went through because I failed. I would never wish for anybody to go through that ever. I realised that failure isn't necessary, but you just need someone to take a certain interest in the child," Scott said. "At the end of the day, I want my initial target to reach 10,000 students. If we get there, the change that Jamaica has been waiting to see will be easily on its way. We want to work with any children's homes, any community-based organisations. We need the different foundations to come on board because not everybody will be able to afford what we are providing. But we are willing to provide the service. Inspire the kids and they will follow suit."

Talented child

A child that is talented, curious or energetic - who has an affinity for technology - will be right at home at the Academic Journies summer camp, Scott said.

"Once a parent recognises that a child likes using the phone, likes using the TV or seems to know how to figure out how to use the tablet, that's the child I want. As long as the child is curious about the technology," Scott added.

Technology appears to be largely uncharted territory for children of the inner-city, but Scott refuted these claims, while explaining he was able to excel in the field from his humble beginnings.

"My story is this; I was born in Waterhouse, but my parents always emphasised that the inner-city stops at the gate. So, you have the discipline there and the Christian values and the work ethic for sure. Both my parents made sure that I saw the hard work ethic," Scott clarified.

The skill sets that have been taught are thought to be used by first attendees of Academic Journies to earn money for themselves, as well as being able to use their new-found mastery to help others with their own business ventures by way of building websites and other methods.

Those interested in signing up for the summer camp may log on to www.academicjournies.com for registration.