Saturday, June 6, 2015, will be the initial CoderDojo Toledo meeting! RSVP for your child!
What is CoderDojo? From coderdojo.com/about:
CoderDojo is a global movement of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people. At a Dojo, young people, between 7 and 17, learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore technology in an informal and creative environment. In addition to learning to code, attendees meet like-minded people and are exposed to the possibilities of technology.
Within the CoderDojo Movement, there is a focus on community, peer learning, youth mentoring and self-led learning, with an emphasis on showing how coding is a force for change in the world.
We (Stuart and Keith) had the pleasure of meeting Bill Liao, one of the founders of CoderDojo, during his recent stop in Toledo. It was inspiring to hear stories of how CoderDojo came to be and the positive effect it has had on his community in Cork (Ireland) – and around the world.
It was clear that we needed to start a CoderDojo here in the Toledo region. Scott Thompson, husband of Molly Thompson (director of LaunchPad Incubation at UT), has stepped up to be a champion. Their son, Jack, set up coderdojotoledo.com so we have a website to coordinate the dojo.
If you have a child that is interested in being a member of CoderDojo Toledo, RSVP for the first meeting (Saturday, June 6, Noon).
While Bill was in town, he was on The Business Blackboard radio show (podcast from the 5/30 show will get posted) and Lord Jeffrey Potter was so impressed, he offered up Potter Technology as the venue.
We are excited to be able to support CoderDojo Toledo. We will help raise awareness of it, volunteer our time, and help find mentors. Contact us if you want to help out too! The best way to participate is to be a parent of a kid in the dojo, but there will be other ways to get involved as well.
If you want to learn more about CoderDojo, check out coderdojo.com and watch some of these videos:
Hope to see you on Saturday! Follow Tech_Toledo and CoderDojo Toledo on Twitter to stay in touch.