Cracking the code

I’m Frith and I work for BBC Knowledge and Learning online. I have both a professional and a personal interest in big data and how we communicate it (whether through infographics or through cool new apps that make use of data sources). So imagine how pleased I was when, into my inbox, landed an Outreach volunteering opportunity that would give me front-line access to some brand new thinking about open data, in the very building where I work, no less!

I volunteered to become a mentor at the Festival of Code. It is one week-long coding event for young people, designed to get sharp young minds to get together and code up something cool, whilst at the same time making use of open data sources. At the end of the week, the groups present their ideas and coded-up prototypes at a national forum, with the opportunity to win prizes for the projects they’ve worked on.

Run by BBC Learning and BBC Outreach, Sam facilitated the centre in Salford on behalf of Young Rewired State, the organisation behind the Festival of Code.

The Festival of Code also attracted mentors with a huge range of skills – from expertise in all kinds to programming languages, to technology education, to design skills – and all keen to pass on their skills and work with the young people to develop the best possible projects over the course of the week.

So what did I get out of the opportunity? Apart from feeling humbled and awed by the talent of the kids taking part in the Festival of Code (not least feeling like my basic programming language knowledge is a little rusty!), I was able to work with them on developing their ideas, uncovering how they would use open data, and hearing fresh perspectives on what is useful and exciting about it. I also got to work with other talented mentors and hear more about their inspirational projects, skills and expertise. To me, the opportunity was invaluable, and I’ll be keeping my eye on the Outreach website for more coming up!

BBC Outreach worked with BBC Learning and Young Rewired State to deliver the Festival of Code from the DigiDen at Salford’s MediaCityUK. This project brought BBC staff volunteers face-to-face with young people to help them to develop key skills.