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

Learning

Q: Is Coderdojo suitable for me / or someone I know?

A: Coderdojo is for anyone who wants to learn how to: program computers and mobile phones, build robots, build websites, hang out with people who think that doing that type of thing is cool...

Q: Am I smart or experienced enough?

A: we have people who have never used a computer through to those who have sold their own programs and everything in between. You just need to be interested…

Q: How to I get tickets?

A: The tickets are posted on EventBrite a few days before the event.
We announce this on the email mailing list, or you can like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Q: How often does & CoderDojo run?

A: Usually every second Saturday.

Q: How much is the course?

A: Tickets are free. Yes free...... yes really 'free'

Q: What type of courses are there?

A: We run programming courses on 'scratch'. This is quick and easy to pick up and is a very good starting language.
We also cover Python, Java and other languages.

Q: What ages does a coder have to be to attend?

Generally ages 7 – 17
if the child is under 12 we ask a parent to attend.

Q: What important things to remember when attending:

Please bring a WiFi enabled fully charged laptop.
You must have the necessary admin rights to that laptop to allow software to be installed and network access to be configured.
This event is run by volunteers and as such please be nice, patient and if you can help with sponsorship, laptops, mentoring or any
other aspect please let us know
Bring a snack and a drink. Coding can make you hungry and thirsty.

Q: Where is it on?

A: We are working on this at the moment - details to follow...

If you should have further queries please let us know via the email above and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

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