Press release issued 25 September 2013
With the UK facing a national skills shortage in electrical and electronic engineering and computer science, members of the public have the opportunity to learn more about the Raspberry Pi and have fun at the same time at an event this Saturday, 28 September.
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card-sized single-board computer developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation with the intention of promoting the teaching of basic computer science in schools.
Caroline Higgins, Outreach Manager from the University’s Merchant Venturers School of Engineering, said “This is an exciting opportunity to give people an insight into the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi, offer a broader understanding of the science behind the technology and how it can be applied in the real world.”
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, added: “The government’s proposed changes to the computer science curriculum shows the national importance of the skills shortage but there is still much work to be done to inspire young people and engage teachers.
“Informal events, like DigiMakers, play an important role in educating children in subjects such as electronics, computer science, digital media and engineering. With over 300 parents, children and teachers attending the first three events earlier this year, it is clear there is a huge demand for this type of activity.”
The event aims to provide fun hands-on workshops for beginners through to intermediate level, and allow experts to share ideas with others.
Activities will include:
DigiMakers will be held at @Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DB on Saturday 28 September 2013 from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.
This event is free and will NOT include access to the exhibits at At-Bristol.
Both BCS Members and non-members are welcome.
The sponsors for the first event held in December 2011 were Sonardyne, RS Components and the Motorola Foundation, ARM are the sponsors of this event.
About BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
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.
We bring 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.
Informal events, like DigiMakers, play an important role in educating children in subjects such as electronics, computer science, digital media and engineering.
This is an exciting opportunity to give people an insight into the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi, offer a broader understanding of the science behind the technology and how it can be applied in the real world.
