Microsoft Visit to Monaghan Institute

Stephen Howell, Microsoft Ireland Academic programme manager, recently visited Monaghan Institute to speak with learners from the Level 5 Computer Games and Level 6 Advanced Software Development courses, alongside staff from the college’s Computing Department. In a detailed and informative address Stephen outlined the type of software skills graduates from MI will be expected to have in today’s ever changing digital economy; the concepts underlying computer programming, the ability to problem solve and communicate effectively within teams that will work in different geographical locations on the same digital domain, highlighting the importance and demand for these skills in the future.

As part of Monaghan Institute’s Further Education Initiative to provide STEM outreach support to staff from Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, MicroBit training was also conducted by Stephen. Staff from schools in both Cavan and Monaghan offering the new Computer Science course for Junior Cycle or Leaving Certificate had the opportunity to examine in detail the physical features of the MicroBit such as:
25 individually-programmable LEDs, 2 programmable buttons, Physical connection pins
Light, temperature and Motion sensors (accelerometer and compass), Wireless Communication, via Radio and Bluetooth and USB interface.

Monaghan Institute Further Education STEM Outreach team will continue to offer support and CPD for CMETB Post-Primary and local Monaghan Primary schools through cooperative working with Microsoft and introduce the new skills to be learned through coding.

Monaghan Institute’s Computing Department are currently accepting applications for their Level 5 and Level 6 QQI certified Computer courses starting in September. For further information check out all our Computing Courses here.