A Plea for Help

I will soon be talking in schools in my role as a STEM Ambassador and hope some of you might help me with an endeavour. With the introduction of a new computing curriculum in schools, I will be talking to school pupils about computing in the wide world and what an education in computing might lead to. I am not ‘selling’ computing over other subjects, I am letting people know about the opportunities that computing can lead to.

One thing I would really like to do is make a video, because listening to a myriad of lovely, interesting people will be even better than just me, talking.

Interested

I hope you’re interested. If you are, what follows is a little more detail on how you can help turn my presentation into something special.

Using a web cam, phone or other video recording device (a steady one, if you can, maybe a tripod); make a short (30 seconds to 2 minutes) video introduction of (pick any of these you like):

  • Your name, where you’re from and what you do.
  • How you know me, or met me, or even just your Bacon number.
  • Why you like (love/get fanatical/are inspired by) computing.
  • How you learned or studied computing, and what discipline you chose.
  • How you use computing in the things you do every day.
  • What you hope to do with computing in the future.
  • Why you would love to be studying computing for the first time, today.

If you decide to help me out, please leave a comment and I will organise collection and answer any questions you might have. Please keep it school safe! I don’t want to edit your message into oblivion to avoid being banned from schools. If you’re a wizard at video editing and can make an extra special job of it, please do so. I will be learning video editing as I go a long.

I volunteer my time to STEM activities, so I do not have a budget for this activity. I will be relying on your generosity and your time – both highly valued. I will need your permission to use the videos for the purpose of inspiring the new computing generation. If you wish me to follow a specific license, please tell me.

15 thoughts on “A Plea for Help”

  1. Thank you, folks! I really appreciate the time and effort. I hope I can make an end product worthy of your input! Do please spread my request to people you know, especially mutual friends.

  2. I don’t have a ‘deadline’ as such. I have a talk planned around mid-Feb. However, if I don’t have enough footage I’ll use it at the next talk I do. Just as soon as you find some time. Thank you, Paul!

  3. I understand that some people had problems leaving comments on the blog. I’m currently investigating why that has happened. If you have not been able to leave a comment, please contact me via email using my first name at my domain name.

  4. Google Drive has thus far been the most convenient way to share files. Drop box was easy too. Do post a comment if/when you have a video to share.

  5. Yes, I am! I’ve been lucky with offers of help and I am still working on the project waiting for videos from those that have pledged to help. I will be very happy to receive more material.

    1. Chris, this is perfect! Thank you so much. I have 15 pledges of help so far and currently 4 videos. I used to teach computer games programming and found what you said to ring true with me too. If I can be of assistance with your STEM activities, please call on me.

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