At the Irish Computer Society we believe that some students may have misconceptions when it comes to choosing a career in IT.  We encourage students through programmes such as ChooseIT, Scratch and F1 in Schools, to redress the balance and  give full consideration to a career in technology.

With the race for places in college intensifying this year due to unprecedented amount of applicants to the CAO, the ICS are encouraging all students to think carefully about their choices and to remember to consider IT. There are hundreds of courses available nationwide and we would hope for even more choice to become available in the future.  See www.ChooseIT.ie for up to date stats in the IT sector.

Scratch, is a new software development module and competition for primary and secondary students. It is a fun and interesting way to introduce software development to a class of students that teaches them how to use programming language, making it easy for students to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art - and share their creations on the web. 

This week, it was announced that three Irish films co-funded by RTE, the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council have been nominated for the Academy Awards providing a valuable showcase for the emerging Irish digital media content business.  Current Oscar nominee Richard Baneham, who was nominated for his outstanding animation work on the film “Avatar” studied animation in Dublin. This is a great example to students, showing that is it possible to have an impressive career in the digital media business and it can all start in school with programmes such as Scratch and ChooseIT. 

Background to our ChooseIT programme
ChooseIT aims to help students gain an understanding of how their own strengths and talents relate to the role and skill requirements of IT professionals.  Rather than focusing on technical skills, ChooseIT demonstrates how a person’s talent in communication, problem solving, teamwork, organisation, enterprise are valuable in an IT role and offers ideas to students about how they could develop their talents in these areas. 

For more information on any of these programmes please see the following:

Scratch:          www.scratch.ie
ChooseIT:       www.chooseit.ie
F1 in Schools:  www.f1inschools.ie