Class: Introduction to Programming

Are you curious about programming? Ever wished you could write your own scripts to automate repetitive tasks, or for fun? Or been interested in understanding how an application works (and why there are always bugs in the software you use??). Tog is running a new class on learning how to program, for complete beginners with no previous programming knowledge.

The course will cover basic programming skills, which will also give you a better understanding of how computers work. We will be using Python, an excellent learning language because it is simple yet powerful, and extremely readable. At the end of the course you will know how to write simple programs, and you should have enough understanding of the basics to move on to either more complex programming tasks in Python or learn another language if you wish to.

The course will begin on October 20th and will run for 5 weeks every Thursday from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. The cost is €40 for non-members, and free for members. The class size is limited to about 8 people, for a relaxed atmosphere conducive to learning.

If you are interested in attending, or have any question about the course, please use the form below or leave a comment — we’re happy to answer any query! You must sign up if you want to attend, space is limited.

Please note that this is a course for complete beginners, who are not yet familiar with the usual syntax for programming. If you’re a programmer interested in picking up Python, you should keep an eye out for our crash courses!

(Update: We’re full! You can still sign up to be added to the waiting list, and be notified if a space frees up.)

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LaTeX workshop

Tog will be hosting an introduction to LaTeX workshop, kindly taught by Triona O’Connell.

During the first part of the workshop we will learn about LaTeX in a hands-on fashion: the syntax, how to build a file, how to debug when a problem occurs, etc.

The second part will be about trying things out with Latex, and attendees are also welcome to bring files they’re having trouble with so we can look at fixing problems.

When: Wednesday, September 21st, from 7pm to 9pm
Fee: 3€ for non-members, free for members. Please register using the form below!

Attendees should bring their laptop.
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Ubuntu Global Jam!

There’ll be an Ubuntu Global Jam on in TOG on Saturday 3rd September 2011, starting at about 10:00am. The event is open to members & non-members. It’s a chance to learn about how to contribute to ubuntu, both from bug fixes, testing, translations, documentation etc. It’s open to people of all skill levels.

If you were interested in Julie’s recent lightening talk about making your first open source contribution, then could be a practical introduction.

If you want to help work on ubuntu and already know how to do it, then you can come along and meet like minded people!

More info:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuGlobalJam
http://loco.ubuntu.com/events/ubuntu-ie/1211/detail/

Irish Hackerspaces Week

Following on from last years successful events we are happy to participate in Irish Hackerspaces Week 2011 from Saturday the 20th of August to Sunday the 28th of August. The week offers Ireland’s hackerspaces and makerspaces the opportunity to promote their regular activities and resources, along with special events.

Time Table of Events in TOG

Saturday 20th

11:00 to late : Synchronous Hackathon

19:00 to 20:30 : Hacker Quiz

20:30 to late : Open Soical Night

Sunday 21st

11:00 to late : Synchronous Hackathon

12:00 to 14:30 : Basic Soldering Workshop

15:00 to 17:30 : Mini Mood Light Soldering Workshop

Monday 22nd

19:00 to 22:00 : Electronics and Micro controller Group Night

19:00 to 21:00 : Breadboard Projects

Tuesday 23rd

19:00 to 22:00 : Crafting Night

Wednesday 24th

19:00 to 22:00 : Computing/Networking/Programming Group Night

Thursday 25th

19:00 to 21:00 : Night of Lightning Talks

Topics: making your first open-source contribution, 3D printing, implanted magnets, lock picking overview, CCC/R0ket badge

Friday 26th

19:00 to ? : Beginners Capture The Flag Event

Saturday 27th

11:00 to 14:00 : Pinhole Photography Workshop

15:00 to 18:00 : Pinhole Photography Workshop

Sunday 28th

At TOG we are still working on our time table of events which we’ll flesh out for the come days and weeks.

 

If you live somewhere else in Ireland and want to take part but can’t make it to Dublin then you should check out:

Cork: Nexus
Galway: 091 Labs
Limerick: Milk Labs

 

Origami workshop update

Last Friday’s origami workshop saw a great turn-out, with people of varied skill levels: most had done only a little origami before if any, some were more experienced and had the books to prove it, and a couple could fold origami behind their back! Very handy to sit besides one such person when struggling with a tiny inside reverse fold.

Many thanks to teacher Jamie O’Leary for sharing his time and origami insights with us!
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Learning about electronics with squishy circuits

On Saturday afternoon, we held a very successful workshop on Squishy Circuits, a great tool to introduce children to electrical circuits.

We started the afternoon by learning how to make both conductive dough and insulating dough, and after a cool demonstration on using an Arduino together with a buzzer to test the dough resistance, we started making our own squishy circuits and other wonderful (sometimes!) creations using the 2 types of dough, LEDs and 9V batteries. Click on “continue reading” below to see a few pictures from the event!

Everyone had fun no matter their age, and I’d like to thank again all our awesome attendees, as well as our very cool teacher Tríona.

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