Will Smith is a Second year PhD student in Computer Science. We had the pleasure of hearing about his experience volunteering as a CoderDojo Volunteer Mentor at Royal Museums Greenwich.
Tell us a little about your volunteering
As a CoderDojo mentor, I teach kids between the ages of roughly 7 and 17 years (though mostly on the younger end of that spectrum) the very basics of coding. We use Scratch, which is a fun visual programming language for game development. Sessions started back in October, and they run once every month, so it wasn’t too much to take on. I work with a few other volunteers and we have roughly 10 students at each session.
How did you find out about the role?
I wanted to get into volunteering, and I wanted to test my communication skills around mathematics and computer science, so I started the search on the volunteering website (which was pretty easy with the Computer/ IT filter). This role in particular stood out to me; I thought, why not try a hand at teaching! I thought it would be a new experience since I had never taught a group that young before.
Why did you want to become a volunteer?
There were two main reasons. The first was to feel out a teaching role, since this might be something I would want to do more of in the future. The second was my aim to break down the stereotype of a Computer Science kid that has been painted in the minds of people. You don’t have to look or act a certain way to fit into the norm of being someone who studies or enjoys Computer Science and I wanted to try to show the students that.
What difference do you feel you’ve made by volunteering?
Well, I would certainly like to believe the students have enjoyed the sessions we have had so far! I plan on setting up demos on machine learning for them in the coming sessions.
I fear that unless they start coding at a young age, they might grow up to think of Computer Science as a subject or discipline that’s not for them, that it’s too late for them to join. I want to prevent that perception by developing coding as an interest for them. It is also important to think about the ideas I could expose them to so that it is a lot easier when they start proper programming. I think interest at a young age is a significant contributor to how well you will do in the future; at a young age, you are not as afraid of failing and failure doesn’t socially hurt you in the same way.
What impact has volunteering had on you?
I have gotten a lot better at explaining concepts in a simple way. I have also picked up on the skill to understand when someone needs help since they might not actively ask for it. But at the same time, they want to show their independence, so you don’t want to limit them. Who knew there was such a fine line when offering help!
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
Getting students interested in what I’m passionate about! Even if it is just a few students who develop that interest, it is exciting for me to be part of that discovery ?
And the most challenging? How did you overcome the challenges?
This one is easy! I have definitely been able to challenge my ability to communicate effectively with a young crowd. Since I have never taught children before, I had to work out when they needed help and when I had to step in.
And to be very honest, I don’t know if I have overcome that challenge! But I have come to realise that I should not stop or correct them if they are not sticking to the task plan. Part of coding is the ability to get creative and try your own thing out as well.
Would you recommend volunteering? If so, why?
Definitely yes!
I wanted to change the image of Computer Science in general and if that is what you are interested in doing- go for it! Or if you have another subject that you are passionate about and you would like to share that, volunteering is a great way to do it! I appreciate that each one would have their own interest and this one is mine!
I appreciate that each one would have their own interest and this one is mine!