Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn was on hand for the launch of the 2012 Scratch competition today.
Run by Lero – the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre, and supported by the Irish Computer Society (ICS), the Scratch Competition promotes computing and software development at both primary and secondary school levels in a fun and interactive way.
Scratch gives students the opportunity to understand how software is built and how it works, as opposed to simply knowing how to use software tools and devices. It encourages students to be creative with software and gives them the opportunity to create something new. This gives students a taste of software development and the possible careers available in this rewarding and rapidly growing sector which has grown almost 10% in the last year alone according to Enterprise Ireland.
Uptake and interest in Scratch is increasing as more schools become aware of the programme and its benefits. Over the course of the summer and during October 150 teachers participated in Scratch training this year.
Jim Friars, CEO, Irish Computer Society, said: "the ICS is proud to sponsor the Scratch project. 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.scratch.ie for the 2012 Scratch competition with entries to be submitted by 12 March 2012. The finals will be held on International Scratch Day 19 May 2012.
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