Free weekly coding clubs are set to start on the Sunshine Coast, where children as young as seven will be able learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and much more.
Demand is running hot from children of all ages and the coding clubs, called CoderDojos, are due to start in August at the Institute of Professional Learning, based on the University of the Sunshine Coast campus.
Demand is equally strong from Sunshine Coast parents, who want their children to have richer and deeper computer experiences than they can provide in the home or school environment.
The CoderDojo initiative is an open source, volunteer-led movement orientated around running free not-for-profit coding clubs (Dojos) for young people. In addition to learning to code, members meet like-minded people, and show off what they’ve been working on.
CoderDojo makes development and learning to code a fun, sociable and awesome experience. CoderDojo also puts a strong emphasis on open source and free software, and has a strong network of members and volunteers globally. CoderDojo has just one rule: “Above all: Be cool”, bullying, lying, and wasting people’s time is uncool.
CoderDojo Sunshine Coast is being developed collaboratively by a wide range of individuals, teachers, companies and organisations including Sunshine Coast Council, RDA Sunshine Coast, Queensland Department of Education and Training, The Institute of Professional Learning, Mountain Creek High School, The-Core, Atmail, Sunshine Coast Internet Marketers Group, The Creative Collective and more.
A website will shortly be developed and registrations will be open for both CoderDojo members and mentors.
www.coderdojosunshinecoast.com.au
Learn more about the international CoderDojo movement here: coderdojo.com/
UPDATE 19 June 2014: The first pilot CoderDojo to be held at USC was launched yesterday and booked out within the first 24 hours. Further CoderDojos are being developed for Term 4. Add your name to the wait list for further information.
Photo caption: Steering committee members kickstarting the CoderDojo Sunshine Coast on 2 June.
