RENSSELAER, N.Y. - Tech Valley High School in East Greenbush is starting the school year Thursday with a visit from the "Woz," Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniack.
Tech Valley High, a school focusing in a math, science and technology education, had an inspirational visit from Wozniak Thursday during a 90-minute stop at the East Greenbush campus. He toured the school, and spoke to students grade 9-12. He told students about how he got to where he is in his life, about what it's like to work for Apple and be an inventor in the 21st century.
"I wish I were a high school student today. I would have given anything to get into a school like this" said Wozniak during a tour of the 121-student school that was led by students.
During the tour, Wozniak visited the EYP Design Lab, learned about projects the students undertake and learned how students learn core concepts and 21st century skills by doing, rather than reading - a fact that seemingly impressed Wozniak, who was once a teacher.
"There is so much doing here as opposed to reading a book," he said. "That's important because I was a teacher for eight years I found that content is less important than coming up with ways to inspire kids to want to learn."
During a question-and-answer session with the student body, the Apple Computer's co-founder fielded questions on everything from his appearance on the TV show Dancing with the Stars to how Apple Computer's logo came to be. He also spoke about the inequality he sees in educational funding and how he foresees a future in which every student has a computer that serves as a teacher and guides the educational process on an individualized level.
Tech Valley High School Principal Dan Liebert says he is glad Wozniak is here to inspire the kids about the importance of technology in everyday life. "It doesn't get any better than that, having Steve Wozniak open school for you," Principal Liebert said. "But I think the real message is showing the connection between kids and adults particularly technology companies in the region."
Wozniak will follow his speech with a visit to GlobalFoundries in Malta, to participate in a panel discussing technology and economic growth in our area.
Lastly Thursday night, Wozniak will be in Schenectady for a benefit fundraiser.
Stephen Wozniak and his wife Janet walking into the auditorium at Tech Valley High School. (Photo: NEWS10)
Steve Wozniak speaks to students of TVHS (Photo: Tech Valley High School)
TVHS student Melia Piazza shows a project to Steve Wozniak and Peter Schultz, who created fiber optic cables. (Photo: Tech Valley High School)
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