SCHOOL DISTRICT5SOUTHEASTKOOTENAY

Tech Hub

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For Creatives, Designers, Coders, Innovators, Builders

Please get in touch with your school principal to register.

Tech Hub Exchange

In partnership with New Media Manitoba our Interactive Digital Media (IDM) program offers students a dynamic opportunity to develop real-world skills in game development and digital creativity. In partnership with industry mentors through the Tech Hub Exchange, students gain hands-on experience and professional insight while working in Winnipeg’s vibrant Exchange District.

Throughout the semester, students immerse themselves in the world of IDM, dedicating their afternoons to collaborative learning and creative exploration. Using game design as a foundation, students build teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills that prepare them for future academic and career pathways.

Students will explore a range of IDM disciplines, culminating in a group project of their choice. Areas of focus include:

  • Digital Art (2D and 3D)
  • Concept Art
  • Sound Design
  • Coding
  • Game Design
  • Level Design
  • Production Workflows
  • Game Project Development

This semester-long program is offered every term and provides students with two high school credits, tailored to their individual learning plans. Classes are held at 62 Albert St. (New Media Manitoba).  Tuesday & Thursday from 10:00-3:00.

School Year 2025-2026 Enrollment

Semester 1: 4 spots available for students from West Kildonan, Garden City, and Maples Collegiate

Semester 2: At capacity

Tech Hub at Garden City/Maples/West Kildonan Collegiate

The Tech Hub After School Program offers students in grades 9–12 a year-round opportunity to explore computer science, game development, and digital art in a supportive, hands-on learning environment. The program culminates in a final exhibition where students showcase their creative and technical growth.

Weekly Schedule:

Tuesdays

  • Garden City Collegiate: 12:00–1:00 PM (Lunch Hour) in room 213 West
  • Maples Collegiate: 3:30–5:00 PM (After School) in room 128m

Thursdays

  • West Kildonan Collegiate: 3:00–4:00 PM (After School) in room 132

Program Highlights:

Learn the fundamentals of computer science and the Unity game engine, one of the most widely used platforms in the industry.

Explore creative possibilities through game design, simulations, and interactive experiences.

Gain hands-on experience with Unity’s interface, including the Scene view, Game view, Hierarchy, Inspector, and Project window.

Develop and organize game objects, build projects, and collaborate with peers.

Connect with industry mentors to deepen learning and receive guidance on personal projects.

Students can earn up to one ICT or Interactive Digital Media (IDM) high school credit based on individual learning plans.

Tech Hub Middle Years 

The Tech Hub Middle Years Program introduces students to the exciting world of programming and interactive digital media through engaging, hands-on workshops held after school on Wednesdays. Offered in 8–10 week rotating blocks throughout the school year, this program is available at participating middle years schools.

Students explore foundational skills in computer science, digital creativity, and social justice through innovative projects like Your Voice is Power: Music & Coding Workshop.

This powerful workshop blends computer science, music production, and social justice education. Using the EarSketch platform, students remix songs created by Indigenous artists while learning to code in a creative and meaningful way.

Led by Genie Baffoe, students dive into the rich history and cultural impact of hip-hop, gaining insight into its evolution and influence. Alongside this, they develop practical skills in music mixing, creating their own compositions and discovering the art of sound design.

This workshop empowers students to:

  • Learn basic coding through music
  • Explore digital storytelling and remix culture
  • Understand the social and cultural roots of hip-hop
  • Express their creativity through original music projects

The program concludes with a final exhibition, where students showcase their learning journey and creative achievements to peers, families, and the community.

Tech Hub PD: 

Coding for Literacy & Numeracy: K–6 Workshops (2 Half Days)

These engaging half-day workshops introduce educators to creative ways of integrating coding into literacy and numeracy instruction for early and middle years learners. Through hands-on activities and interactive technology, participants will explore tools and strategies that support foundational skills in the classroom.

Workshop Overview:

    • Session 1: Coding Foundations for Literacy & Numeracy (Grades K–3)
      Discover age-appropriate coding activities that support storytelling, reading comprehension, and early math concepts. Learn how to use block-based coding and interactive platforms to build student engagement and confidence.
    • Session 2: Talebot Robotics & Game-Based Learning (Grades 4–6)
      Explore the world of TaleBots, interactive storytelling robots that teach coding through play. Learn how to integrate TaleBots into your classroom to support computational thinking, creativity, and cross-curricular learning in literacy and numeracy.

These workshops are ideal for educators looking to bring coding into their classrooms in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways. Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies and tools to inspire young learners through technology.

Minecraft Education (3 Half Days)

Day 1: Introduction to Minecraft Education

  • Overview of Minecraft Education and its classroom potential
  • Learn to navigate tools and resources for teaching

Day 2: Level Up Winnipeg Challenge 2

  • Guided walkthrough of the challenge
  • Learn how to implement it in your classroom

Day 3: Manito Ahbee Aki – The Place Where the Creator Sits

  • Explore the educational significance of this Indigenous world
  • Discover ways to enhance student learning through cultural storytelling

AI in Education (3 Half Days)

This workshop series explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, with a focus on equity, practical integration, and effective assessment. Designed for educators, each session builds on the last to provide a well-rounded understanding of AI’s potential and challenges in the classroom.

Day 1: AI Through a Social Justice Lens

  • Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and social justice
  • Examine the pedagogy and unintended consequences of AI in education
  • Participate in breakout discussions to share insights and perspectives

Day 2: How to Use AI in the Classroom

  • Learn practical strategies for integrating AI into your teaching
  • Discover tools and techniques to get started with AI in the classroom
  • Explore real-world examples and classroom applications

Day 3: Assessment & Best Practices

  • Learn how to assess student learning when using AI tools
  • Discuss ethical considerations and responsible use of AI in education
  • Share best practices for fostering critical thinking and digital literacy
  • Collaborate on developing classroom-ready resources and rubrics

Contact Information

Monica Gadsby 

Tech Hub Coordinator
204-339-2058