Digital Derry Programming Project

Pupils from Longtower Primary School and Londonderry Model Primary School are taking part in the week long club at Magee. Robbie Hegarty, a lecturer in NWRC is delivering the programme which is aimed at introducing primary school pupils to the concepts of programming, with a view to encouraging more young people to consider future study and career opportunities in computing and creative technology.

The concept of introducing pupils to programming and computing is not new and University of Ulster already run a number of projects delivered in local primary and post primary schools.

Liam Maguire, Head of Computing at Magee said: “We have worked with local primary Schools through our successful WASPs project and it is great to watch the excitement and enthusiasm of the children at this age. They can very quickly adapt to new technology and assimilate what at first might seem quite difficult concepts. These children are getting a fantastic opportunity to understand programming and I am sure this will benefit them in the longer term.”

It is hoped that programmes such as these will become part of the bigger strategy to transform the city into Digital Derry. Growing the Digital Economy is one of the Catalyst projects in the ‘One Plan’. A coderdojo club has already been established and has been a major success.

Mark Nagurski, of Digital Derry said: “Growing the digital economy in this city requires great people with the right skills, so I am delighted to see kids getting involved in programming at an early stage. These kind of digital skills are fast becoming the new literacy and in the near future they’ll not just be an advantage, they will actually be expected. Robbie Hegarty and the University deserve to be congratulated for this project alongside everyone who is working hard to give our children the skills they’ll need.”

It is hoped to role out programming opportunities to all primary schools in the coming school year.

Rosa Mc Laughlin from Foyle Learning Community, who have been co-ordinating the project says: “it is amazing to see the interest among young people in the city for programming and it is obvious that there is a real need to provide as many opportunities as is possible to as many young people as is possible. I would hope to see countless computer clubs and courses for young people and am hoping that we can grow the seeds for a city that will become known for its creative and digital talent. If we can do that, we can attract and grow digital and creative companies and become ‘Digital Derry’.”