AASQA CoderDojo presentation day 2021
On the 23rd of October, DC Alliance had the honour of sponsoring the 2021 AASQA CoderDojo Presentation Day at Curtin University. The Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) CoderDojo is a free, volunteer-led, community-based computer programming club that helps young people be creative, meet people with similar interests, solve problems and collaborate whilst building a range of digital projects.
The day began with small groups of volunteers being taken on tours around to the different CoderDojo rooms. One of the first rooms visited was the Arduino room where students built and programmed lighting patterns by using a programming language. It was fascinating to see something created on the computer translated into a display of different lights.
In another room, called the Python room, students used Scratch, a visual programming language. This room was very quiet as all of the Ninjas were deep in concentration. Ninjas used this program to create online games. We met one ninja who was working on introducing multiple players to his game. When asked what he liked about CoderDojo, he said it was “like school but actually good, and more useful”. At school, neuro-diverse children will spend most of their time learning how to adjust to an environment that is often out of sync with their abilities, and after learning these skills they find themselves having to adjust to a totally different environment upon graduating. Whereas CoderDojo students learn skills that can be taken straight into the workforce.
Renee, a mum of three Ninjas attending the AASQA CoderDojo, said the program has been extremely beneficial to her children and that they continue to get excited about attending every week. She looks forward to seeing where this program can take her kids in the future.
At 1 PM all the Ninjas knew it was time for lunch and they eagerly headed to the food room to hone in on some well-deserved pizza. Parents, mentors, guests and volunteers assembled in the courtyard for paella from The Spanish Casa food truck. All food and drink was kindly sponsored by DC Alliance.
After lunch, everyone gathered for the end of year presentation where we heard from Liam Picen, a former AASQA CoderDojo ninja.
Liam was one of the original AASQA CoderDojo ninjas when the program first began in 2016 at Willetton Senior High School. With the help of CoderDojo, mentors and Professor Tele Tan, at 17, Liam was the youngest person to pass the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) exam. With a portfolio of achievements and work experience, Liam was able to enrol in university, something that is not always achievable for neuro-diverse students who cannot meet the university pre-requisites via the ATAR pathway. Unfortunately, Liam’s studies were cut short by the transition to online learning, however, Liam now has a full-time job as a software quality assurance tester at a software company within the mining sector and is on track for a promotion. One of Liam’s latest achievements is buying his first home! On the weekends he volunteers his time as a mentor at the AASQA CoderDojo where he helps others explore their special talents and capabilities, and transition into life after school.
CoderDojo is constantly looking for volunteers to help as mentors. Mentors help to run different classes by providing guidance, supervision and some expertise. You do not need any technical background or knowledge, although that is a bonus. All you need is a Working with Children Check if you are over 18 years old, and lots of enthusiasm! As a mentor, you receive all of the training needed to be able to work with neuro-diverse children. If you have any special skills you would like to bring, CoderDojo works on many digital projects from programming, robotics, digital arts and more. Maybe you have a different skill you could introduce to the Ninjas?
The event concluded with many parents and volunteers describing the event as a ‘party’! DC Alliance is extremely honoured to be able to support the AASQA CoderDojo to put on such an event for their Ninjas. We look forward to furthering engagement and collaboration.
This event would not be possible without Linnet Theodore, Tanya Picen, Professor Tele Tan, the mentors and parent volunteers who all helped to put on such a memorable event.
If you would like to learn more about the AASQA CoderDojo or are interested in becoming a mentor for the 2022 year, please contact our Client Liason, Renee.