A pilot after-school programme has been hailed as a success following the completion of the first ever graduating class. Future Creators is run though the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) and the National College of Art and Design (NCAD).
Twenty local teenagers from the inner city area of the Liberties in Dublin took part in the programme which was run after school on a weekly basis. During the course, students learned how to build and launch their own digital products and services. Most chose to work on iPhone apps while others opted for film, gaming, photography, audio and digital embroidery projects.
Among the apps developed was one to find the best curry in Ireland and another for those who want to know everything about boy-band One Direction. A number of the students expressed an interest in working in the technology sector in the future.
Dr Stephen Brennan, chief strategy officer at the Digital Hub said Future Creators provided a blueprint for the teaching of digital skills. "The model we have developed has proven to be very successful and can provide useful insights for the Department of Education, which is examining how to incorporate Computer Science and digital tools into the secondary school syllabus."
Dr Brennan hopes programmes like Future Creators will address the skills shortage that exists in the Irish technology sector. "At present, our education system is failing to produce candidates with expertise in areas such as coding, computer programming and app development."
Topics covered during the course include editing digital photographs, recording/editing podcasts, publishing online content, developing iPhone apps and planning, filming and editing short films.
The students were presented with their certificates of achievement by Minister for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock.
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