New STEM initiative in Tipp: schools urged to take part
There is great anticipation in our Tipperary BCP Network as January 2023 sees the launch of a new STEM education initiative by Microsoft Ireland’s Dream Space team in collaboration with OurKidsCode, where we invite our rural schools located near our BCP network the opportunity to participate in this year’s do your :bit challenge, culminating in them pitching their digital innovation projects to judges at Dream Space, a STEM learning hub located in One Microsoft Place in June 2023.
This follows on from primary school involvement in Digital Skills workshops which took place in 2022 in collaboration with OurKidsCode and Dream Space. We have already seen Boher NS, Rossmore NS, Drom NS, Newport Boys NS, Ballinahinch NS, Barnane NS, Lacakmore NS, and Newport Convent NS take part and are eager to learn and experience more.
BCPs (Broadband Connection Points) funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development working with Tipperary County Council and the local communities have delivered high speed broadband to specified Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across the county and offer digital skills training to their respective communities.
Microsoft Ireland’s Dream Space provides immersive, research-based STEM experiences for students and teachers to enhance their STEM skills alongside crucial social-emotional skills such as empathy, creativity, ethical decision making and collaboration. Informed by research, the MS Dream Space model aims to tackle the diversity within the STEM pipeline, the digital skills gap and the digital poverty inequalities that exist in our society so that every person has the opportunity to engage in STEM education and understand how technology can shape their world.
OurKidsCode is based in Trinity College Dublin and funded by Science Foundation Ireland and aims to improve participants confidence in computing and technology with parents learning alongside their children by participating in creative computing workshops for families of all shapes and sizes.
The success of these programmes will act as a catalyst for the Digital Transformation and improve Digital literacy where participants will improve their skills to learn, work and navigate everyday life in our digital world.
Tina Mulhearne Digital Officer Tipperary County Council added: “It is exciting to continue our journey partnering with Microsoft and OurKidsCode and offering more Digital Skills exploration and opportunities for our school children and families in rural Tipperary through our BCP Digital Network.”
Michael Barrett, Dream Space STEM Specialist,commented: “One of the core goals for Dream Space is to empower every young person and show them that STEM is for everyone! I am excited to use our new community initiatives, in collaboration with our partners, to help lessen the digital divide between urban and rural areas when it comes to STEM education.”
REGISTER FOR INFORMATION SESSION
Information session to be held Monday, January 9 - register your interest at tina.mulhearne@tipperarycoco.ie.