Coding schools in all universities
Like the “Schools 1337” launched by the OCP group, the Codes 212 should call on peer learning, but they would also mobilize educational teams. In addition to its three Schools 1337, in Khouribga, Benguerir, and Tetouan Shore, the OCP group has two other computer coding schools, YouCode, in Youssoufia and Safi.
Digital technologies are often mentioned as one of the key points of the roadmap of the Minister of Higher Education, Abdellatif Miraoui, for the transformation of the sector. One will have to wait for the end of the regional and national meetings of the acceleration plan launched last March to have more details. But the minister already shares one of his projects, that of coding schools which should be placed in all universities. Called Code 212, these schools would be open to all students, regardless of their specialty. The idea is to provide students with dual skills, in their own discipline and in terms of digital technologies which are now essential. A pilot model has already been set up at the National School of Arts and Crafts (ENSAM) in Casablanca, where a coding space has been laid out, according to a source at the Conference of University Presidents (CPU). That coding spaces is still being improved. The experience could quickly be generalized. To enhance students’ skills in the field, the ministry has also established a partnership with Huawei Technologies Morocco. One of the goals of this alliance is the creation of 70 ICT Academies in universities by 2025, for training in various digital specialties (big data, 5G, AI, Internet of Things, IT security, etc.). The ambition is to train 15,000 students and certify 5,000 within three years. An IT-oriented job fair is on the menu, as well as capacity building for teaching and administrative teams. Efforts will continue to be made to digitize educational content. Following the coronavirus pandemic, universities have made fairly good progress concerning this project (digitalization of courses, creation of recording studios, digital university project, etc.). A National Center for Digitization and Distance Education has also been created. Finally, the upgrading of the information systems of the universities will be addressed. The only remaining issue is student access to computer tools and wifi.
