What is Technocamps? Technocamps, trialled in 2003, is a bespoke programme to address the decline in Computer Science education and its relationship within.

What is Technocamps?

• Technocamps, trialled in 2003, is a bespoke programme to address the decline in Computer Science education and its relationship within STEM education.

• Technocamps is in receipt of £3.9million ESF convergence P1 (T2) project led by Swansea University in partnership with the Universities of Bangor, Aberystwyth and Glamorgan.

• This arm of the initiative covers an exciting range of modules including robotics, animation, software development, digital forensics, app development and programming skills for 11-19 year olds.

Why Technocamps?• The need for Computing within STEM

subjects is paramount, but is so often overlooked, being dubbed the silent 'C' in STEM.

• Eric Schmidt, co-founder of Google recently said; “I was flabbergasted to learn that today Computer Science isn’t even taught as standard in UK schools”

(Edinburgh International Television festival August 2011)

Industry:E-skills predict that over the next 5 years Wales will

require 20,000 highly skilled computing professionals.

Teaching:In 2010, 73% of all secondary school ICT teachers in

Wales had no relevant ICT qualification.In the period 2010 – 2011 Computing as a GCSE

subject has only been piloted in one school in Wales

It is evident that the future skills base is going elsewhere, and leaving Wales behind.

Isn’t this just ICT?

• No! We know children are learning ‘how to use’ ICT tools, but not learning about the fundamental building blocks that is the backbone to the ICT they use.

• Going forward we need developers, not just users.

• The skills that computing provides cuts across all STEM disciplines. The skills are transferable to many other academic fields.

What does Technocamps do?

• Take a whole class of young people onto campus and provide hands-on fun, interactive and experiential workshops based on computing in STEM fields.

• Introduce role models, and inspirational speakers who will explain clear career progression paths.

• Provide tailored modules for teachers to be able

to deliver back in the classroom, enhancing the current ICT curriculum.

• Provide support and online materials for teachers and pupils, giving the ability to create a ‘Technoclub’ back at their school.

Programming LEGO Mindstorms League

‘Scratch’ and ‘Alice’ Animation

‘Greenfoot’ and ‘Java’

AlgorithmsDigital Forensics

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Robotics

InformaticsMeta Data Analysis

A Sample of Workshops

Cryptography

Is Technocamps just for Boys?

•No! Technocamps will take a ‘whole-class’ approach ensuring that both boys and girls enjoy the Technocamps experience.

•Workshops will be especially tailored to capture both girls and boys imagination.

•We are working closely with STEM Girls and Women in BCS to ensure that what’s delivered is of interest to girls as well as boys.

Technocamps will result in:

• A calendar event for schools with the opportunity to undertake multiple or repeat visits.

• Pupils gaining transferable skills, with a wider and deeper understanding of logic and problem solving.

• Teachers supported to deliver beyond the Technocamps on campus, back in the classroom.

• Clear career progression opportunities, and an on-campus experience of university life for pupils.

• An increase in the number of pupils who elect to study science, computer science, mathematics and engineering degrees and go on to work in the computer/ technology/ engineering industries in Wales.

• Provide a springboard to assist in the wider goals of a digital economy for Wales.

Technocamps Feedback: October 2011 – February 2013. N=4060

• 44 % female participants – target 45%• Attend again? 79 % Yes, 8% No

• How would you rate your day at Technocamps:Comments:

“Working on a computer isn't me but I enjoyed it” “We made a game and learnt a new skill” “I learned a lot of things” “I enjoyed making the game while knowing it was me that made it”

“It was informative and better than expected”

“Awesome, really enjoyable"

Great 48.8%

Good 33.9%

Ok 13.7%

Bad 2.2%

V. Bad 1.2%

Changes in perception?

Activity for 2013:

•Delivery of Teen Tech – first in Wales•Pilot initiative with CyMAL•3rd Annual Teacher Conference with upskilling bootcamps•NEET targeted residentials•NESTA and LIFE – Talent Academy•Tracking beyond the funding…•Where next? Sustainability?

Thank you – Any questions?

Stuart Toomey – Technocamps Project [email protected]