The Irish Computer Society (ICS) and supported by Lero, the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre, have launched the 2016 Scratch coding competition.
Scratch gives students at primary and second level an understanding of how software is built and how it works. It challenges students to create stories, games and animations using software – giving them a taste of possible future careers in the IT sector.
For the upcoming year, ICS Skills is making 10,000 Scratch primary classroom packs available, containing everything needed to get started.
Clare McInerney, education & outreach officer, Lero, said “This is the sixth annual Scratch competition. It is great to see continued interest and enthusiasm for Scratch in Irish schools amongst teachers, students and parents. We look forward to being amazed and entertained by the 2016 Scratch competition entries.”
Interest and participation in Scratch has been increasing every year as shown by the uptake in teacher training held by the professional service development for teachers. Almost 3,000 primary teachers upskilled in IT in the last three years and the competition will be a method of bringing what teachers have learned into the classroom.
Jim Friars, chief executive officer, ICS, said: “The computing field has weathered the economic storm better than most. There continues to be strong demand for computing graduates and this project gives students practical experience of the skills required in this interesting, well-rewarded and growing profession.”
Students can register online at www.ics.ie/scratch and closing date for entries is 5 February 2016.
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers