Computer coding

Computer coding is a universal language and is designed to see technology in a whole new light - knowing how to code enables communication across communities, countries and cultures.

One of the outreach programs facilitated by the Community Education division was "A Bit of Code."

In 2016, Dr. Rebecca Milley and Dr. Robert Gallant offered the "Digital Creators" program to children registered in Grenfell's summer activity camps. The weeklong workshop introduced children to programming and computational ideas in a fun environment. The program was oversubscribed locally, and several communities on the west coast expressed interest in a similar event in their community. 

The result was "A Bit of Code," a three-hour course for 9-15-year-olds that toured Baie Verte, Ramea, St. Anthony, Port aux Basques, Stephenville and Goose Bay in July and August 2017.

"The community is an important place for youth development – ensuring the availability of non-school youth activities, such as coding, helps children become innovative with no barriers to impede their success," said Charlene Connors, program developer.

Through the coding course, the young people learned endless ways of coding and solving problems that will inspire them to grow and think in a more "out of the box" way.

The program was funded by Grenfell's Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre and Memorial's Quick Start fund, and in the various communities was supported by CBDC Emerald, Baie Verte Community Youth Network, Rec House CYN, Youth Ventures, CBDC NL Long Range, CYN-St. Anthony, Labrador Institute, NLESD and College of the North Atlantic.