Tag Archives: IADT

Mary Mitchell O’Connor and Dun Laoghaire IADT bring experts together to address cyberbullying

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Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, in conjunction with the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT) brought a range of national and international experts together on Saturday 23rd March to address the issue of cyberbullying at a conference entitled ‘Dealing With Cyberbullying: A Practical Approach’.

“The prevalence of cyberbullying and the affect is having on our young people especially cannot be ignored. Computer technology is the source of so much good in our lives and we must encourage the positive use of social media, in particular, so that young and old can continue have their lives enriched through the constructive use of computers.

“I, together with the IADT, co-hosted the Dealing With Cyberbullying: A Practical Approach Conference with a view to bringing a number of national and international experts together to examine the best way forward in dealing with this issue. The conference was targeted at second level schools and those dealing with young people and aimed to provide advice and support on cyberbullying and related issues.

“The topics for consideration at the one day conference centred around the European guidelines for preventing cyberbullying in the school environment; homophobic bullying, which the Government has been attempting to address in recent months; and the role of bystanders in combatting cyberbullying. Speakers will also look at the issue of sexting and the grooming of children online.

“We all have a role to play in stamping out this harmful practice. Children are sensitive enough when growing up without dealing with online harassment and all that goes with it. Parents, school and community organisations need to inform themselves about the best ways of protecting our children online and we need to teach them how, in turn, to behave when using social media.

“I found it very interesting to hear the contributors to the conference who were drawing on the most up-to-date research in this field. If we all work together and take the necessary steps we can eradicate cyberbullying. Getting the message out there that we will not stand idly by and let this intimidation go unchecked is key, this conference is a step in that direction.”

CoderDojo launches in IADT Dun Laoghaire

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Coder Dojo Dun Laoghaire was launched on Wednesday 23 January, in IADT Dun Laoghaire, with Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, in attendance.

Coder Dojo is a free, non-profit, computer club for school kids which was founded by Cork computer whizz kid James Whelton and entrepreneur Bill Liao.  It has taken the world by storm and is now operating in approximately 24 countries, with over 10,000 kids attending weekly.

Coder Dojo sessions provide an opportunity for young people to learn how to code apps, programs, games, build robots, develop websites and more, with the help of mentors who donate their time free of charge.

Annie Doona, President of IADT, said ‘We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Coder Dojo at IADT as it reflects so closely what this Institute is all about. We strive to nurture a powerful combination of creativity and technological capability within our students, and hope to see some Coder Dojo participants joining us on our degree programmes in the next few years.’

Local TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor commented that “Coder Dojo provides a wonderful outlet for the talent of our young people – no doubt it will result in many future entrepreneurs and jobs. I have great faith in the potential of our future generation.”

Organiser Sandra Maguire said “I first heard about Coder Dojo in February 2012 when I heard James Whelton, then aged only 19, mesmerising a couple of hundred business people with his story. There was no Coder Dojo in the Dun Laoghaire area and I kept hoping one would be started up. Eventually I decided to start one myself, and went to IADT, where I had studied Cyberpsychology a couple of years before. The support of IADT and Mary Mitchell O’Connor has been invaluable in getting the project ready to launch.  With the help of our generous mentors and volunteers, I believe we are going to make an exciting impact on the lives of many children.”

Whilst the weekly two hour sessions are free, places need to be pre-booked.

See www.coderdojodunlaoghaire.com or email coderdojodl@coderdojo.com for information