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Faculty of Engineering and Computing
ComputeTY 2017 BOI
pictured Ciara McGuigan Bank of Ireland with students and winners from Dominican College Griffith Avenue

ComputeTY 2017

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There was no delay for some students getting straight into a productive 2017, by participating in DCU’s School of Computing ComputeTY programme. This transition year programme allows TY students to visit the campus for one week to learn computer programming, web design and android app development. It runs for three weeks every year with approximately 380 TY students on campus. Prof. Rory O’Connor, Head of School of Computing said “We are delighted this year to have the support of Bank of Ireland who joined forces with us to help support ComputeTY and bring it to a new level through innovation and transformation of the programming stream. With Bank of Ireland’s support, this year, students will learn how to programme in Python the most popular programming language in the world, with a view to giving them a taste of our Computer Application Undergraduate degree here in DCU. Students learn to program with the help of the BBC micro:bit.” The micro: bits are powerful handheld, fully programmable computers only 5cm wide designed by the BBC and makes a great introduction to the world of programmable components. Students connect the BBC micro: bit to their computer via USB or use an app for android devices.

Laura Lynch Head of Youth Banking in Bank of Ireland said “We are keen to support this innovative programme for secondary school students to help encourage them into IT and have a better understanding of the world of technology. Learning how to programme can seem a bit daunting for young people and this is why investing in these micro:bits allows the students to learn in an fun and interactive way. We are delighted to be involved in something that will have long term benefit for the younger generation.”

Gary Conway, ComputeTY Technical Advisor explained “This year ComputeTY2 is an additional tutorial day for the best python programmers from each of the three ComputeTY weeks. It will take place on Friday 3rd February in the School of Computing, DCU, where we continue developing these students coding skills. Bank of Ireland will give 3 iPad Minis to the best of these advanced ComputeTY students. We would hope that the students who take part in ComputeTY2, take up the challenge of the School of Computing’s, All-Ireland Programming Olympiad (AIPO). It is the National Programming competition for secondary level students, with National Finals held at DCU on 25th February. The top students from the National Finals have the chance to make it onto the Irish Delegation for the prestigious International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), which Team Ireland attends each summer.”

ComputeTY runs every January in the School of Computing, DCU for transition year students and is becoming more successful year on year. For more information on ComputeTY contact Christine Stears 7005237 or Christine.stears@dcu.ie