Donabate Dojo

Good News for Donabate

On the 20th September 2014 Donabate CoderDojo opened for the first time. Young people aged 7 to 17 can learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and much more. In addition to learning to code, members meet like minded people and show off what they have been working on. CoderDojo makes development and learning to code a fun, sociable and awesome experience.

Coder Dojo

What is a CoderDojo ?

CoderDojo is an open source, volunteer led network of free computer programming clubs for young people aged 7-17. CoderDojo puts an emphasis on self motivated learning through project work, peer to peer mentoring and the creation of socially innovative projects. There are over 450 CoderDojos teaching young people how to code in over 45 countries around the world.

Coder Dojo

A bit of history

CoderDojo is a non profit global movement founded by James Whelton and Bill Liao. It all started in James Whelton’s school in early 2011 when James (then 18 year-old coder) received some publicity after hacking the iPod Nano and as a result some younger students expressed an interest in learning how to code. He set up a computer club in his school (PBC Cork)

Coder Dojo

...and then...

In June 2011 the first CoderDojo was launched in the National Software Centre in Cork which saw extreme success. The Cork Dojo even saw people travelling from Dublin frequently to attend sessions. Owing to this popularity a Dublin Dojo was launched soon after in Google’s Montevetro building.

Coder Dojo

Scratch

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Scratch - Is a programming language created for Children. It is a great way to start learning the techniques and the logic that will allow you to create programs, games, web sites and apps.

Web Design

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Web Design - Setting up a website is a great form of programming. Not only does it involve writing code (maybe HTML, PHP or one of many other languages), but it also involves design, database, graphics and much more.

Writing Apps

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Writing Apps - Another great thing to try, is writing a program to run on a mobile device. The screen is smaller, the memory is smaller but being portable gives you all sorts of new adventures.

Welcome to the new DonabateDojo Web site

It is still a work in progress - so check back so you see all our news and updates.

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There are quite a few other ways to keep up with the news. We have a Twitter feed, a Facebook page, a mailing list or come here and see the news here. I think that covers most of the ways of getting the news out. I guess we could also tie messages to pigeons but that might get messy.

Does this mean we have everything we need to run this great project ? Of course not - we are still in the very early stages. If you have time to help out as a mentor or any other resources that would be of use to us, then please do contact us.

CoderDojo has just one rule: “Above All: Be Cool“, bullying, lying, wasting people’s time and so on is uncool.