We gathered for the last time in yet another jam-packed Mahony Hall for the final much-anticipated mini conference
. Multiple inquisitive, keen listeners united together to discover all the trade secrets and to avail of insider knowledge from industry experts on how to successfully utilize technology for both personal and business orientated uses. Many of our speakers talked highly of the benefits of cloud computing while an other introduced the benefits of teaching young coders. Whether you were aspiring students, budding entrepreneurs or merely someone seeking advice, there was an array of tips, insight and advice to be gotten from our esteemed guest speakers. Let’s roll the dice one last time, and get started!
Mary Maloney, CEO of CoderDojo, was first up and kick-started the event with charisma and enthusiasm. From the moment she walked on stage there was no denying she had the audience in a trance as they listened to her every word.
CoderDojo is a global movement of free coding clubs for children and young people with over six thousand volunteers that make it all possible. Founded in 2011 by James Whelton and Bill Liao. James who was 18 at the time hacked the iPod Nano and thus generated publicity and interest from younger students who wanted to learn how to code. Fascinating, huh?
Their primary objective is to alter the way children are taught about technology and computing. Maloney highlighted the creative process children possess and their ability to see things differently. She gave many astonishing examples to prove her point, one that really caught my attention was the story she retold of a dyslexic boy who created an invention which helped with letter recognition, thus helping, not only himself, but many others kids out there who have to overcome the struggle of dyslexia every day. CoderDojo is creating a generation of self-help, creative and innovative individuals.
She reinforced the notion that coding is an ageless concept. Although the classes are (at this current point in time) only available for children between 7 and 18 years old, adults are free to come along with their children and learn more about the computing process. Maloney is aware that there are many adults out there who are unable to use computers and that they too need assistance with the rapidly changing computer world. Unfortunately, there’s simply not enough resources available yet. She’s hopeful that in the future there will be more options available.
Maloney then made the necessary distinction between the coding clubs and school. Both establishments teach children, yet thankfully that’s were the similarities end! Children are encouraged to resolve their own problems, discussing between themselves, and even searching Google before bringing it to the attention of their mentors. They’re taught early on that they have within them the capacity to achieve whatever they put their minds to! The kids are prompted to create their own schedules and timetables so that they get to learn what interests them! They’re not weighed down with homework, criticized for lack of involvement or forced to learn things that don’t intrigue them. I mean, how great is that?Honestly if this was around when I was younger I would have begged to have joined. I’m not going to lie but I’m a bit jealous of the opportunity that has been presented to these kids. But it makes me more hopeful for future children who will be given an edge in this increasingly technology orientated age.
‘Dojos are built on community spirit and encourage children to collaborate and learn from each other’
Next up was Richard Garsthagen, Director of Cloud Business Development of Oracle. He was just what was needed, he was lively, energetic and grabbed everyone’s attention through his bubbly personality.
He began his speech by informing us a bit more about Cloud Computing and that although we may have previously heard of it, many tend to have misconceptions about it. It’s true that The Cloud exists and it is an integral part of understanding the importance of cloud computing, but he emphasized that there is much more than just The Cloud. He expressly stated that cloud computing had many more benefits than we may have originally thought.
He imaginatively compared cloud computing to a restaurant menu, asking us to visualize a situation where a restaurant had none and customers simply went in and asked the chef to prepare them something. The tricky thing here is not all the ingredients would be available or even accessible in certain regions, countries or areas. Picture someone looking for squid in a chipers? It just wouldn’t work! It’s the same with cloud computing. I think the idea he was trying to express was that there’s endless options to choose from (like the many different cuisines around the world) so you need to limit the options in particular situations. He stressed that you wouldn’t constantly change the menu, that you need to be savvy when it comes to dealing with customers. That’s to say, you should give them what they want but restrict them a little (that’s the point of the menu!) so you know you can adequately provide them with what they want.
Garsthagen continued by informing us of disruptive new ways of doing business. Don’t worry, I hadn’t heard the concept in its technical term before but I guarantee you have heard of a few companies who utilize it! It’s basically the change that occurs when new digital technologies and business models affect the value proposition of existing goods and services. Take Netflix for example. They’ve embraced a service orientated cloud architecture that allows their consumers to view an array of tv series and movies once they log on to their Netflix account. Personally, I find that Netflix has revolutionized the way content is being accessed by consumers and it really makes you think of the extent to which companies must market so get their goods and services out there!
He admitted to the hundreds assembled in the Helix that cloud computing is changing the way that technology is available to people. In short, it is the future. I certainly got a lot of valuable advice from Garsthagen’s speech and I think he’s a true inspiration. I certainly look forward to learning more about cloud computing!
John Massey, Business Development Director of SAP Ireland, was the next person to bring his experiences to the stage. Like Garsthagen, Massey advocated the importance of cloud computing for businesses today.
Massey provided a bundle of useful information to the array of people gathered in Mahony Hall. He revealed that the economics of running a cloud business is entirely different. You’ve gotta be more tech savvy and more accustomed to using such technologies if you want to continue in this continually changing business environment.
He reminded us that it’s all about the competitive edge, you don’t want to be doing the same as everyone else in the industry, you need to be different, you need to be innovative and to get ahead. You need to get digital. Massey urged us all to embrace technology and encouraged us to believe that we are the innovators, the thinkers, the one’s capable of great change.
Upon leaving us, Massey imparted some wisdom onto those listening attentively:
‘You need the drive, the ambition, but remember you’re always learning, always developing’.
A truly motivational speaker who got the crowd to truly think about their own futures and the real benefits that cloud computing has to offer. He offered plenty of useful information for all the attendees at the event and I’d like to thank him for all he discussed.
The final speaker of the evening was Shay Garvey, head of Platform in Frontline Venture Capital. He was what was needed to awaken the fatigued audience and it wasn’t long before we were immersed and listening attentively to his every word.
Frontline Venture Capital is Europe’s first community focused fund, creating a platform for innovative technology entrepreneurs building capital-efficient businesses in high-growth markets. I think what really sold me about this company is that it believes in ideas and investing in passion. How many times have we heard about people’s dreams being tossed aside simply because they had no money to fund them? Nobody to support them? No one to believe in them? This is where it all changes! Personally I think their willingness and openness to nourish creativity is truly admirable and such a groundbreaking achievement. I find their readiness to take risks in the name of other people’s business ventures inspiring.
You gotta get out of that comfort zone
They believe the way start-up companies are being funded has changed rapidly, as they’re constantly being driven by cloud computing and the open source movement. Frontline is aware that this is only going to accelerate. Of course they’re going to want to make a living out of their venture but they are ready to support those new and innovative ideas that come their way.
Garvey seemed to be a genuine business-man who wants to help new ideas grow and evolve, something which can be highly lacking these days! He also mentioned that cognitive jobs are at risk, anything routine is being disrupted by changes in technology. Like all the other speakers, he motivated everyone to realize the importance of changing and adapting to new technological advancements. His supportive tone and helpful advice had many audience members nodding along to his insight. One of the many things he said that stuck with me was:
‘The only thing original is that people can create’
Can you get much more motivational than that? I’ve a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more about Frontline Venture Capital in the coming years. But I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly looking forward to that!
Each of our speakers enlightened me to such an extent that I feel much more tunes in and aware of what ‘getting digital’ really means. We must constantly change and develop according to new technological advancements that come our way. We have to believe that were are the innovators, the new-age thinkers, the ones capable of success! We can no longer hide from things that may frighten us but embrace them and all the benefits they can offer us!
Personally I believe that we all have a spark within us to be great. Many of our speakers highlighted the importance of being able to adapt to the change around us and getting a little outside your comfort zone. Remember:
‘Be bold, be daring. The shy ones rarely make history’.
Thanks for reading, I hope you found some insight on how to Get Digital. Thanks for being with me throughout the four of our conferences, and I hope you learned a little on to Get Going! I’m going to leave with one of my favorite quotes by T.S Eliot. It’s giving me some motivation through the years and I hope it will do the same for you! I wish you all the best with your future endeavours!
The Para-DICE! 