The Bebras Computing Challenge

ICDL Ireland is delighted to announce a new component under our education initiatives; The Bebras® Computing Challenge!
The Bebras® Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking and computer science to students, by allowing them to solve interactive tasks online. Taking place every November and run in over 30 countries, the aim of Bebras is to get students all over the world excited about computing.

The 2016 Bebras Challenge will take place between 7th – 18th November 2016 and you can schedule your classes test any time during these two weeks.

Bebras consists of fun and engaging short questions, these questions can be answered without prior knowledge of computational thinking but can uncover a student’s aptitude for the discipline. It teaches participants that computational thinking is an integral part of solving problems in daily life.

Bebras delivers five different challenges, aimed at different age groups, for both primary and secondary students. Each challenge consists of 5 easy questions, 5 medium questions and 5 hard questions.

Try the practice challenge or find out more at:  http://bebras.techweek.ie/  or bebras@techweek.ie

Read More

National Scratch Competition

As you are aware, using Scratch allows students to develop creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as they work collaboratively or individually on Scratch projects. In operation since 2010, the National Scratch Competition has established itself among both teachers and students as a leading platform and showcase for Ireland’s aspiring digital creators.

Entrant numbers have risen steadily, with 960 projects entered last year and 25 making it through to the National Finals held during Tech Week 2016. Entry is open to individual students and groups of all ages.

How to enter:

1. Register your details now on www.ics.ie/scratch. Please note that you will need to re-register for this year if you have not already done so.
2. Design & create your project at scratch.mit.edu . This can be a game, animation, story, simulation or music project.
3. Once your project is complete, upload your project URL and student details to enter the competition at scratch.ics.ie. (Please note when entering your project a direct URL link must be entered to be judged)
4. Entries can only be accepted if they are accessible via the Scratch website at scratch.mit.edu. Offline projects must also be uploaded to this website.

Dates to Remember:

Submit your entries by: 10th February 2017
National Finals: The finals will be held during Tech Week 2017

For more information visit scratch.ics.ie or if you have any queries please contact scratch@ics.ie