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Technocamps show way in teaching IT skills [Western Mail (Wales)](Western Mail (Wales) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) CHANGES to the national curriculum in England this week saw pupils as young as five across the border having to learn computer coding for the first time. But youngsters in Wales have already had a taste for technological developments thanks to an inspiring outreach programme launched in 2003. Technocamps is led by Swansea University in partnership with the universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor and the newly-formed South Wales. The programme, which has been funded since 2011 through the European Social Fund (ESF), has brought computer science to life for more than 10,000 young people across Wales in just over three years. Professor Faron Moller, director of Technocamps, said: "It is great to hear that England have taken the initiative and introduced computing on the curriculum at such an early age. "In Wales, Technocamps has driven computing education in secondary schools, as well as engaged fully with primary schools, to allow pupils to have the head start that their equals in England are now getting. "This will ensure that young people in Wales will not get left behind in what will inevitably be a demanding future for them. These fundamental skills will ensure that they will be equipped and ready to take on the digital world that is now encompassing our everyday lives." He added: "Currently, there are no similar plans to introduce computing into the curriculum in Wales. Technocamps, however, is already geared up to support Welsh Government on this, should they need it, with resources already available for pupils and CPD training ready for teachers through its Technoteach." Technoteach, another project within the Technocamps programme, is funded by the National Science Academy and has trained nearly 100 teachers from both primary and secondary schools (with participants travelling weekly to Swansea from as far afield as Cardiff and Llandrindod Wells). The project provides training which supports and enhances the ICT and the new computing curricula taught in schools, colleges and educational establishments. It is free and gives teachers and educators the chance to up- skill in computer science, which will be essential if Wales follows England's lead in introducing the new computing curriculum. Through its various projects, Technocamps has witnessed a surge of pupils and teachers across Wales eager to take their learning a step further and with more and more schools introducing digital technologies such as iPads intro their classrooms, the expansion of coding looks increasingly likely. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |