by Jasmine Tejada, staff reporter

For seniors who have Mr. Tesler for study hall on Mondays and Thursdays, it’s no free period. As eighth rolls around, the laptop carts roll into the classroom, and students log onto Khan Academy.

First, students must set up an account and watch video tutorials on drawing and animation. Each tutorial adds on to the previous tutorial. For example, looping which allows one to repeat drawing over adds onto animation basics.

After watching tutorials, students put what they learn into practice by starting their very own 3D animation. In order to do this, students must type in letters, numbers, and symbols on the left side of the page, and on the right side the final product is created.

However, it can be very challenging because if the code is wrong, then a green bubble appears. This green figure acts like a teacher by hinting the mistake made and how to correct it.

“The skill of coding is really important. The ability to code is an up and coming job. It’s a marketable job skill, and if you work for a good company you can make a lot of money. It can lead to a lucrative job,” study hall advisor Mr. Tesler said.

Khan Academy offers this new program to encourage schools to have minority girls learn the skill, and become interested in the field that is dominated by males. Schools who participate may receive $100 in reward, additionally a certificate.

“Really it’s to keep us busy, and earn the school money,” senior Quincy Tunstall said.