Technocamps computer event at Aberystwyth

Technocamps Aberystwyth and the British Computer Society (BCS) Mid-Wales are to host a free event at Aberystwyth University this month (5pm, Tuesday 24th January 2012) for all those interested in digital literacy and computing education.
The first session, aimed at teachers and educators working in STEM related subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), will introduce the Aberystwyth Technocamps hub and its workshops designed to enthuse young people about computing. There will be an overview of the project, hands-on sessions, plus an insight into the wonderful world of robotics.
Following this, BCS Mid-Wales will chair a general session considering the broader question of computing education in the UK. A panel of experts and interested parties will lead the discussion, investigating the problem of computing in schools from a variety of perspectives.
Dr Emma Posey of Technocamps Aberystwyth said:
“We're keen that young people are creators of technology as well as consumers. At Technocamps, we are introducing them to programming and electronics so that in the future young people from Wales can help to lead the way in the digital economy. Programming needs to be embedded in to the school curriculum in a similar vein to ICT.”
Both events are free to attend and open to all. To register, please visit www.technocamps.com/events. For more information you can contact Lisa Fisher, Schools Liaison Officer, Aberystwyth Technocamps on 01970 622454 or email lisa.fisher@technocamps.com.
Technocamps is a £6 million project led by Swansea University in partnership with the Universities of Bangor, Aberystwyth and Glamorgan that provides daily and weekly sessions to young people aged 11-19 on a range of exciting computing-based topics such as programming, robotics, cryptography, animation and much more. Technocamps has the long term goal of encouraging young people to pursue careers in an area that will drive economic growth in Wales.
BCS Mid-Wales Branch was established in March 2010, and works within Mid Wales to promote the aims of the BCS. The mission of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is to enable the information society. We promote wider social and economic progress through the advancement of information technology science and practice. BCS brings together industry, academics, practitioners and government to share knowledge, promote new thinking, influence the development of computing education, shape public policy and inform the public - www.bcs.org/midwales.