Pupils immersed in technology at conference

Balmacewen Intermediate pupils Samantha Bixley (left, 12) and Ella Brittenden (12) with ``Bob Bot...
Balmacewen Intermediate pupils Samantha Bixley (left, 12) and Ella Brittenden (12) with ``Bob Bot'' an EB3 series programmable robot they were learning to use at a Kids IT conference at the school yesterday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Balmacewen Intermediate school pupils had a chance to chat with a Grammy winner and immerse themselves in the world of technology yesterday.

About 40 years 7 and 8 pupils were selected to attend the school's KidsCon IT Conference.

Keynote speaker and creative director of animation company Moving Pixel/Showboat Nate Martin talked to the pupils about receiving a Grammy award three years ago for his work on the America's Cup app.

Mr Martin said he hoped the pupils would become "stoked'' with the potential of 21st-century technologies.

"When I was growing up there was nothing like the technology we have now.

"And the fact these kids get to shine using technology is really cool.''

Balmacewen Intermediate pupil Capri Stanger (12) said she felt lucky to have been chosen by her teacher to attend the conference.

"It has been really interesting.

"I want to make an app that people would often play like the Flappy Bird.''

As well as hearing talks from University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic technology experts, the pupils participated in robotics, animation and programming workshops.

KidsCon IT conference organiser Phillipa Dick said having local experts speak was "extremely rewarding''.

"These are not people from Silicon Valley, they are from Dunedin and it is so beneficial for kids to see that.''

It was the second time the conference had been held, she said, and "we intend to keep holding it every year.

"The kids gain technology skills and also the experience of attending a conference and meeting experts.''

Pupils were treated to goodie bags, the chance to wear mufti for a day, and "fancy'' morning and afternoon teas, she said.

"We are loading them up with sugar like at any good conference.''

Later in the year, the pupils who attended the conference will share what they learnt at a second KidsCon IT conference to be attended by year 6 pupils from primary schools throughout Dunedin.

margot.taylor@odt.co.nz

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