From right: Michelle McCarthy (MECB), Barbara McConalogue (MECB) and Professor Alan Smeaton (School of Computing).

On Thursday April 29th, the School of Computing hosted a seminar for transition year coordinators of local secondary schools. Its purpose was to discuss details of the School's proposed 'ComputeTY' transition year initiative, due for launch in January 2005.

The event, which was attended by some 30 invited schools representatives, proved highly successful. Feedback from schools was extremely encouraging and this has strengthened the School of Computing's commitment to, and belief in, the 'ComputeTY' initiative. This will see over 400 local transition year students partake in campus-based weeklong courses in Web Design and Development, Advanced Computer Skills, and/or Using the Internet. The courses will be held in the School of Computing over four consecutive weeks in early 2005.

This highly ambitious venture aims to strengthen links with the local community and provide secondary school students with the opportunity to develop their computing skills to a high level. It is also hoped that the initiative will show students first-hand how interesting information technology can be, and thereby encourage them to consider computing as an exciting and attractive career option.

The ComputeTY Seminar was kindly supported by NorthDubCo - The North Dublin Development Coalition.

Further information on the ComputeTY programme is available from Laura Grehan at tel: (01) 700 8608 or email: laura.grehan@computing.dcu.ie