An initiative which educates children in computer language is seeking information technology professionals, or those with an interest in computing, to mentor young people. Alison Mills reports those behind the idea believe a creative mind and knowledge of coding can be a force for positive change in the world.
The pervasive nature of information technology (IT) means it's more relevant than ever that the generation now growing up has a comprehensive grasp of computer coding — something many in the community see as giving them the capacity to make a real difference in the world.
And while they might not ultimately want to work as IT professionals, today's youth will increasingly be drawn to technology, not merely for entertainment, but for learning and creative pursuits, problem-solving, in business and enterprise and even daily living.
Enter CoderDojo, a global non-profit network of free, volunteer-led, independent and community- based computer programming clubs for young people aged 7-17.
There are already Dojos in Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania, and now Northmead resident and IT professional Ross Nolan is keen to set up a CoderDojo in The Hills or Parramatta areas.
He is seeking people with an interest in IT or with IT skills who can volunteer about two hours a week (at weekends) to teach young people.
"Kids need to understand technology more," Mr Nolan said.
He believes we're not giving children these skills soon enough.
"By the time kids get into any serious IT education, they are halfway through high school," he said.
"Yes, they have a laptop and they are being taught how to use Microsoft but they're not learning how to think creatively or solve problems with computers."
Mr Nolan has approached The Hills and Parramatta councils to see if either can help out with a space. "All we need is a room with Wi-Fi and access to a power point. Students bring their own laptops."
For details click here or email info@coderdojo.com.
■ Dojo is a Japanese word: ‘‘dō’’ meaning ‘‘way, pursuit’’ and ‘‘jō’’ meaning ‘‘a place’’;
■ Set up by James Whelton and Bill Liao in Cork, Ireland;
■ Whelton was 18 and still at school when he achieved ‘‘fame’’ after hacking the iPod Nano;
■ As a result of the publicity, younger students expressed an interest in learning how to code, so Whelton set up a computer club and started teaching basic HTML and CSS (mainly used to create visually engaging web pages);
■ Entrepreneur and philanthropist Liao met up with Whelton and the first Dojo was launched in June, 2011; and
■ There are more than 550 Dojos in 55 countries, including Australia.
