Computer science students create potential 911 app

Computer science students at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center are exploring the potential launch of a 911 app, upon garnering the attention of public officials.

Robbie Myers, Butler County emergency management director, visited the class with school board president John Scott on Thursday, Jan. 9, to preview the application, designed to send a text message or photo to first responders in emergency situations.

Myers said he is impressed with the “functionality” of the app, and “applauds” the students for developing the technology to the proof of concept stage. “I’m excited about what to download from you in the future,” Myers stated.

Displaying the app they created plus “arcade games” following the school board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17, are (from left) instructor Michael Barrett; students Maria Powell, Kristen Laird and Jeremy Bell; and Director Charles Kinsey. Not present was classmate Quinn Johnson.Photo provided

Under the Project Lead The Way curriculum, students were tasked with creating an app through MIT App Inventor that would benefit the community during the first month of the new program. Quinn Johnson, a junior, brainstormed the idea and his group of classmates determined that only about 2 percent of the population are able to text 911 due to landline limitations.

The students previously presented the app during the October school board meeting, catching the interest of former state Sen. Bill Foster, who happened to be in attendance on behalf of C3 Green Energy. Myers said he is going to collaborate with Foster to arrange a presentation in front of National 911 Program representatives next month in Jefferson City.

The TCC students will further submit their work during the district SkillsUSA competition on Friday, Feb. 14, in New Madrid, with Quinn serving as the group speaker, Maria Powell serving as designer, Jeremy Bell as coder, and Kristen Laird – notetaker.