Free computer coding classes for kids

[microcosmia]

Coder Dojo is a kind of voluntary movement to teach kids coding skills. It started in Ireland just over a year ago and has spread throughout the country and beyond into Europe, the US and more recently the UK.

Mine (12/13) have been going to classes in Dublin for some time now. They started with Scratch, then they learned HTML 5 and are now on Java. They are making their own websites and apps. None of this is taught in their schools at this level and they're really keen.

The classes are run by experienced mentors with IT backgrounds around every 3 weeks for a couple of hours. Classes are free but donations are accepted to cover the pizzas.

There are a few centres opened recently in UK in London and Surrey and also in Glasgow (not sure where else). Just passing it on for anyone who might be interested.

www.coderdojo.com

Sorry I should have got one of them to post the link but they're not around , it never works for me !

I worked this time I think -yay!

Thanks for the information. Brilliant idea. My DS13 has been teaching himself Python out of a book due to the imbecilic ICT classes at school boring him stiff.

Hi Reshetima, I heard Python being discussed last time I was there though mine haven't gone there yet. If you're anywhere near one he'd probably love it. He sounds dedicated.

I think this is a great idea - although I suppose I would say that given I work in IT (twas a long, long time ago that I last did coding except for messing about in VBA). However, I think the real strength of learning programming is learning [programming] logic, designing efficient code, and all-round problem solving and analysis skills which can be used in many walks of life.

reshetima, I work with some python-ists, let me know if you'd like me to ask for any pointers or website suggestions or whatever.

thanks for the offer tribpot and information LunaticFringe. DS is now allegedly preparing for end of year exams so mustn't be distracted, but I'll check whether he's using python.org and mysql (n.b. it's all Greek to me! but luckily I have a few computer science colleagues who are only too happy to engage with him when he comes up to my work).