Computer coding club targets girls

A NEW computer coding club for girls has been launched by DCU in an effort to encourage more females into the world of technology.

CoderDojoGirls is based on the global CoderDojo movement of free coding clubs for young people but the DCU group is catering for the specific interests and motivations of girls.

It aims to build up confidence and interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with activities focussed on projects like creating a pop band fan page, building pianos or just having fun with social media.

The club’s tutors are all females including DCU and IBM CoderDojo mentor, Niambh Scullion.

“It’s so important to get girls exposed to technology at a young age,

? she said.

“When a girl comes to CoderDojo, not only does she learn how to programme, she learns how to analyse, dissect, research and resolve problems.

“The girls become more than just consumers of technology, they contribute and create, and do so collaboratively.

“All these are life skills that they will carry with them to school and later on, career. With the level of exposure to mobile devices and the internet, children now are native to technology; where will their insights and creativity take us?

?

Niambh’s fellow DCU CoderDojo mentor, Noel King, said they were inspired to develop the new learning-through-fun forum for girls when they noticed their quicker drop-out rate from traditional CoderDojo groups.

“CoderDojoGirls is going to be totally girl-centric,

? he added.

“At CoderDojoDCU we have always focused on fun and engagement first with every week being another exciting step in the tech adventure. We encourage participants to suggest initiatives and aim to align materials to their interests.

“To get us started, two amazing projects have been proposed. A piano game that teaches you how to play your favourite pop song and after this we are going social with a social network game which you can share with all your friends.

“We hope this focus will lead the girl tech revolution and, through our lead mentors Niambh Scullion and Sarah Doran, we have two excellent and passionate role models.

?

CoderDojoGirls runs every Saturday at DCU from 10am and girls, aged 10-18, interested in taking part can book their place at coderdojogirls.event brite.com