Free Summer Workshops at Birmingham Public Library Helps Students Explore Coding, AI and 3D Design

 

Ishaan Jain, back left, a rising junior at Indian Springs School, with participants in the Digital Literacy Summer Workshop at BPL's Central Library. He designed the curriculum to help young learners better understand AI, computer coding, 3 D design and other technology shaping today's world.

Free Summer Workshop at Birmingham Public Library Helps Students Explore Coding, AI and 3D Design

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a successful kickoff at the downtown Central Location, Birmingham Public Library's popular Digital Literacy Summer Workshop is heading to three more library branches this July, giving students another opportunity to explore coding, artificial intelligence, 3D design and the technology behind the apps, games and digital tools they use every day.

Designed for students in grades 3-8, the free four-day workshop transforms participants from technology consumers into technology creators through hands-on lessons, live demonstrations and interactive projects that make STEM learning both educational and fun.

Parents who missed the first session still have three opportunities to register, but organizers encourage families to sign up soon as space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Remaining Workshop Dates and Locations:

Powderly Branch Library – Ph # (205) 925-6178

July 13-16 | 9 a.m.-Noon
3301 Jefferson Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35221

East Ensley Branch Library – Ph# (205) 787-1928

July 20-23 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
900 14th St. Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218

Smithfield Branch Library – Ph #(205) 324-8428

July 27-31 | 2-5 p.m.
1 Eighth Ave. W., Birmingham, AL 35204

Cost: Free

Who Can Attend: Students in grades 3-8

Registration: Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Parents are encouraged to contact the hosting branch library directly for registration information.

Learning the Technology Behind the Screen

The Digital Literacy Summer Workshop combines STEM education, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving into a hands-on learning experience. Rather than focusing on passive screen time, students learn how technology actually works and gain skills they can use to create their own digital projects.

The workshop is led by Ishaan Jain, a rising junior at Indian Springs School, who designed the curriculum to help young learners better understand the technology shaping today's world.

Over four days, participants explore topics connected to their interests - including gaming, design, engineering and artificial intelligence - while building practical skills through engaging activities.

 

What Students Will Learn:

3D Design and Printing

Students learn how digital designs become real-world objects through TinkerCAD software and live 3D-printing demonstrations. Participants create virtual models while exploring the fundamentals of design and engineering.

Coding and Game Logic

Using interactive exercises and simple prompts, students discover how games and applications are built while learning how programmers use logic and step-by-step instructions to solve problems.

Understanding Digital Systems

Participants explore the algorithms and systems that power modern technology, from video games that track player movement to recommendation systems that influence what users see online.

Artificial Intelligence and Prompt Engineering

Students receive an age-appropriate introduction to artificial intelligence and learn how AI tools generate text and images. They also explore prompt engineering and responsible AI use for both creative and educational purposes.

Preparing Students for the Future

The workshop introduces students to emerging technologies and career fields that continue to grow in importance, including software development, engineering, digital design and artificial intelligence. Along the way, participants strengthen creativity, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

Parents looking for a free summer opportunity that combines technology, innovation and hands-on learning are encouraged to register for one of the remaining sessions while space is available.

Whether a child dreams of designing video games, creating with 3D printers or discovering how artificial intelligence works, Birmingham Public Library's Digital Literacy Summer Workshop offers an exciting introduction to the technologies shaping tomorrow's world.

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist – Birmingham Public Library