PARKFIELD PROGRAMMING GROUP
I am currently involved with several projects, mostly IT related.
Parkfield computer group. Based at Parkfield Youth centre in Paignton. This is a casual peer support group for young people in years 5 to 9 who like programming The group is peer support with programming projects. The young people are free to work on their own ideas, get help with things along the way, swap code, advice and general techy chat. There is no pressure to produce anything.
As I am also a playworker the way I am doing this is similar to play work principle 2
“2. Play is a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. That is, children and young people determine and control the content and intent of their play, by following their own instincts, ideas and interests, in their own way for their own reasons.”
At the end of the day the activities engage the person undertaking then.
Currently we have access to
12 x macs
3 Linux netbooks (running Lubuntu)
2 Windows Netbooks
and various networking bits, cable, router, etc.
HDMI monitor for plugging in Raspberry Pi’s
if you have a usb wifi dongle for a pi this may be helpful, and a usb powered hub could also be useful to reduce issues caused by current train over loading the usb and blowing (or perhaps that could be tripping) the poly fuses.
Unlike other groups this group recognizes that people can learn out side school and are more advanced, so we can therefore do our own thing without being held back by a taught curriculum. Code club is for beginners, most of the members are beyond that.
I would like to expand this to local schools. Perhaps run similar groups after school and work with different groups depending on level of interest.
Any group should aim to satisfy one of or more of the Every Child matters outcomes :
- be healthy
- stay safe
- enjoy and achieve
- make a positive contribution
- achieve economic well-being.
RELATED ARTICLES
Year 8 is too late part 2 by Emma Mulqueeny
Helps to sum up the current situation and suggests what is needed within schools to take todays Young people to the next level. As the group I am running is aimed more at self learning. I have moved all the programming links here.
