Junior Cycle Coding in Action will benefit local school children
By Aideen O'Flaherty
INTEL gave teachers from five local schools Genuino 101 development boards recently, which are learning and development boards that will help schoolchildren and their teachers get to grips with coding and programming.
The boards were given out as part of Intel Ireland’s two-year ‘Junior Cycle Coding in Action’ programme, which is being delivered in collaboration with Lero – the Irish Software Research Centre, and Junior Cycle for Teachers.
Local schools which are involved in the programme include Adamstown Community College in Lucan, Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin, Kingswood Community College in Tallaght, Kishoge Community College in Lucan, and St Mark's Community School in Tallaght.
This is seen as a particularly prescient programme, as the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, recently announced plans for the introduction of computer science as a Leaving Certificate subject in September 2018.
Clare McInerney, education and outreach manager of Lero, said: “This is the biggest involvement by post-primary schools since we began the programme of support for schools interested in including the coding short course at Junior Cycle.
“175 schools applied which reflects the growing appetite and enthusiasm in developing teacher and student skills in the vitally important area of coding.”
Maeve Byrne from Intel added: “Computer science is present in every aspect of modern society and is creating millions of fulfilling and well rewarded jobs in Ireland and across the globe.
“Fundamental understanding of how computer hardware and software operate and relate to everyday life is central to a 21st century educational system.”
