Techmix Magazine Issue #1 by Digital Skills Agency

YO U R D I G I TA L F U T U R E

ONLY £3

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BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS Introducing the Student Digital Awards

LEADING THE WAY

Learn to pitch like a pro

SCHOOL'S OUT Embrace your

inner tech-expert at Digital Summer Camp

D TH ISCO E AN NEWVER TECD COO EST CO HNOL LEST MP OG AN Y IES

HOW TO CONQUER THE WORLDS OF:

DIGITAL FILM EDITING GAME DESIGN CODING

TOM DALEY

Plus...

The voice of a digital generation dives into the world of social networking

GAMES BASED LEARNING ◆ DIGITAL DESIGN & ANIMATION ◆ COMPUTING SCIENCE 1 APP DEVELOPMENT ◆ CREATIVE USE OF ICT ◆ DIGITAL FILM PRODUCTION

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Introduction

[Our Team] Edward Baker, Editor in Chief Emily Eades, & Vicky Smith, Contributing Editors

Hello!

Welcome to the launch issue of Techmix, a new magazine dedicated 110% to giving you the lowdown on the best new technology. Inside our magazines weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sharing expert tips and information on how to master all sorts of skills, from building your own website to creating an amazing console game, and a lot more in-between. Like you, my fascination with technology started early. Over the years I've worked in Game Design and TV Production and every day I'm inspired (and astounded) by just how fast technology is evolving. The Techmix team are also massive tech-fans, and we know we're not the only ones. Enter our cover star Olympic Diver Tom Daley. Tom took time out of his busy schedule to talk with us about all things social media. See page 10 to discover exactly why he's been called the voice of a digital age.

SOCIAL LET US KNOW WHAT YOU MAKE OF OUR FIRST ISSUE! Follow us @TechmixMag Tweet the hashtag #TechmixMag Or email us hello@TechmixMag.com

In this issue our expert 'How To' guides will point you in the right direction if you're looking at a career designing computer games (page 8) , making digital films (page 6), or coding (page 18). You can also join the kids from Hackney UTC as they compete in a pitching competition to win ÂŁ15k with their new app idea, Future U (page 16).

Maggie Scardifield Assistant Editor The Creative Arms Art Direction Techmix is published by: Digital Weekend Ltd 9 Energy Centre, Bowling Green Walk, London, N1 6AL info@edmix.com 020 7613 5724 Special Thanks to: Nicky Johnston, PictureBat.com, Dave Merrell, Charlotte Hallam, Professional Sports Group, Georgia Frost, Selfridges Sophie Vauthier Annie Blackmore & Anna Johnson, Hackney UTC Harry Baker, Rudy Noble, Matt Lent, Treetop Training, Gavin Lucas, James and Jordan Hoo , Emmalena Ellis

We hope you enjoy reading our first issue as much as we've enjoyed putting it together. This is the beginning of one exciting ride. Join the mix!

Edward

Edward Baker, Editor-in-Chief 1

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n Want an exciting career? n Want to know how things work? n Want to be a part of the high-tech society? n Want to help change the world? Whether developing intelligent smartphones, designing high speed networks, exploiting the “Internet of Things” or unlocking the secrets of DNA… The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science has the answers. To see just some of what we have to offer: www.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/undergraduates

Join the Next Generation 2

Contents

How to...

Our 'How To' features offer insight into becoming a Game Designer, Coder and Digital Film Editor

PitchFest: Behind the scenes

Our cover star Tom Daley on social media

Top gadgets and apps â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we round-up the best

Plus

CONTENTS #1 23

Get involved: Student Digital Awards

Read our tech news Megabites p.04 Find out How To Be a Game Designer p.08 Digital enterprises to put on your radar In Cool Company p.14 Learn How To Be a Coder p.18 Sign up for the Digital Summer Camp pg.24 Enjoy! 3

M E G A BIT ES From a machine that replicates signatures to flying superheroes, here’s our pick of the technology news you’ll want to share with your mates!

A VGo Robot means you can experience school – from home

STREET LIGHTS

n REMEMBER THOSE GLOW IN THE DARK STICKERS YOU COVERED YOUR bedroom with? Well some bright sparks in the Netherlands have taken this concept, and adapted it for use on the road. Studio Roosegaarde’s new ‘glow in the dark’ paint will not only improve road safety, but save on energy too, so it’s a dazzling concept in more ways than one. In addition to regular road markings, the heat-responsive paint will reveal images of snowflakes when temperatures fall below zero to warn drivers of icy hazards. studioroosegaarde.net

SOCIAL HAVE A STORY YOU THINK WE SHOULD COVER?

On The Case

n WE CAN’T BE THE ONLY PERSON CARRYING around a smashed mobile phone. If, like us, your screen resembles a broken mirror, perhaps it's Tweet us time to invest in a sturdy case (and, ahem, stop @TechmixMag being so clumsy). The tough-as-nails XTREME Case from G-Form takes protection to another level, Or email us hello@TechmixMag.com quite literally. XTREME uses Reactive Technology Protection to keep even the most sophisticated devices safe. To test it out, the G-Force team dropped a phone with an XTREME case from above the earth’s atmosphere, and on recovering the device – remarkably, it still worked. Something tells us it can cope with slipping out of your bag. g-form.com

Xtreme Case G-Form

n FOR SEVEN-YEAR OLD Devon Carrow, school means all the things it does to you – going to the library, chatting with friends and attending lessons. The only difference is, he does it all from home, with the aid of a pretty nifty robot. Born with severe allergies that mean he can’t mix with other children, Devon uses a VGo Robot that enables him to experience the school day without being there in person. And as the device is mobile, he can even join in on all the playground gossip. The only downside is, there are zero excuses when it comes to homework. ivci.com

News

UP, UP & AWAY!

Just got off the phone with Ed Sheeran. It's on!

n WHEN KYLE GOUGH saw someone flying a remotecontrolled plane, customised to look like a comic character – he was inspired. Heading to his studio he designed a set of superhero-style gliders. Powered by a Futaba 7C radio, they soar through the sky to the bewilderment of onlookers. rcsuperhero.com

ARY ERS

V N NI

GET THE MESSAGE?

n OMG. DECEMBER MARKED THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF text messaging. The first ever text – which simply read ‘Merry Christmas’ – was sent on 3 December 1992, but amazingly it took a further seven years for the service to become standard on mobile phones – networks simply didn’t believe users would be interested. Obviously, the concept took off, and today, 15 million messages leave our phones every minute. Last year a whopping eight TRILLION messages were sent in the UK alone. How many of those do you think were down to you?!

Signature Style n EVEN A PRESIDENT NEEDS to put his feet up occasionally. But what happens when an important Fiscal Bill needs signing and Barak Obama is sunning himself in Hawaii? His party relies on a masterful invention called an Autopen. This clever pen perfectly replicates a signature using a matrix of the original and the support of a machine, meaning Mr Obama can sign important documents from afar. We wonder if it will work on the school register? realsig.com/Autopen

IT'S NOW POSSIBLE TO COPY SOMEONE'S SIGNATURE – JUST BE KIND AND ASK THEM FIRST!

Compose a concerto in the blink of an eye n IT REPUTEDLY TOOK Mozart a month to write his first symphony. It takes the newest composer on the block – Iamus – around a second to compose a piece. The difference? Iamus is actually a computer, which has been programmed to create musical scores and can produce modern classical music in an impressively short amount of time. As testament to the computer’s skills, last July The London Symphony played a selection of the compositions to paying crowds. lso.co.uk

How to be...

A DIGITAL FILM EDITOR An interview with Daniel Chaput

Daniel Chaput pits the art of storytelling and good old hard graft as two key skills you'll need to make it as a Digital Film Editor. Have you got what it takes? After 15 years as a Digital Editor, Daniel Chaput has recently started his own company – Knock Knock Productions. His career has taken him from long nights in day time TV edit suites to the BBC and even Big Brother. But what exactly does a Digital Film Editor do (see opposite) and what can a career cutting footage look like? We chatted to Daniel to find out. WHAT DOES A DIGITAL FILM EDITOR ACTUALLY DO? Digital film editors transform uncut video footage, or rushes as they are known in the industry, into an organised story. An editor might add sound or inlcude an element of mixing existing sound. It is also an editor's role to determine the pace of the film and decide which shots should be used. These elements are then mixed together to create a skeleton film. There are ways of editing for suspense, for energy or

to make something that's very smooth. It is an editor’s role to take all these things into consideration. HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE AN EDITOR? The first time I gave film editing a go was at University and immediately knew it was for me. I used to love writing and have always considered myself a storyteller – editing, to me, is an extension of that skill. DOES AN EDITOR WORK ALONE OR WITH A TEAM? Different productions have different team sizes. On a feature film, there might be an edit assistant, arranging the nuts and bolts for you to use. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, an editor can be known to work totally alone on a project. Sometimes there may also be an edit producer who will dictate the story and you will edit together. For instance, on a TV Show like Big Brother,

"be prepared to make lots of tea and stay at work late"

How To...

What is a Digital Film Editor?

THE LIFE OF PI INVOLVED MONTHS OF EDITING BEFORE IT BECAME THE FILM YOU'VE SEEN IN THE CINEMAS

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU SHARE WITH SOMEONE WANTING TO GET STARTED IN THIS FIELD? Get access to a computer and some editing software (I use Final Cut Pro) then start editing. It’s as simple as that. Start editing anything you find interesting. Find friends who enjoy having a camera and try editing their stuff together. Remember that practice makes perfect. Editing is a skill you’ll never stop improving on. Once you feel you have a good basic knowledge, try and get a job running at a post-production agency. Be proactive. Be happy to make tea and stay late. Try to speak to the editor and learn as much you can. The more you do, the more people will trust you. There are no short cuts – everyone works for free at

n Name: Daniel Chaput n D.O.B: 1978

Film editing is the name given to the process of transforming raw video footage into a finished story or conisered sequence. Film editing has progressed from the manual cutting and sticking of film rushes to the involvement of digital tehnology, hence the name – Digital Film Editor. Digital film editing is both an art and a technical skill.

the editor will work with a larger team. On a music video you may just work with a director. For all these reasons, to be a good editor you must also have strong people skills, you need to know when your opinion is required and when you must keep your opinions to yourself.

[MINI CV]

n Job Title Director, Knock Knock Productions n First work experience: BBC News

some point in their career, and you will be no exception. Be humble. You may have worked for free but you will have made good contacts, learnt new skills and potentially gained a reel for your portfolio or a credit for your CV. Music videos are a good place for beginners to start. I look for people who have been proactive – it’s a very competitive market and you need to be able to go that extra mile. Whatever your background, no matter what your grades are, if someone can communicate with me, tell me a story and work hard – I’ll listen. Those are the key skills that will get you noticed.

n Education Leeds Metropolitan University n Career Highlight Starting my own company n Career Low? Working 12 hour night shifts editing daytime TV shows

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED? The reward of seeing my work in the public domain makes all the hard work worth it. I love the art of storytelling and enjoy a good film – but I never think about editing when I’m watching a good one. See Daniel's work at knockknockproductions.com

[ I n f o ]

SOCIAL

DIGITAL EDITOR: SKILLS REQUIRED

TECHMIX HOW TO'S SHOW YOU HOW IT'S DONE. WHAT CAREER PATH WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE COVERED NEXT?

n Imagination n Technical know-how n Enthusiasm

Tweet us: @TechmixMag to let us know

n Organisation n Team player n Confidence n Humility n Can-do attitude n Focus. Focus. Focus. n Tea making FINAL CUT PRO – TURNING AN EDITING IDEA INTO REALITY. THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

How to be...

A GAME DESIGNER An interview with Dave Upchurch

From being praised by Bill Gates to working with PlayStation – Dave Upchurch shares what life is like as a Game Designer Freelance Game Designer Dave Upchurch enjoys a career pursuing what he loves most – designing games. Since starting out as Game Reviewer on ACE magazine, Dave has worked with industry heavyweights including Lego and Sony PlayStation. His current focus is educational games. He shares what life as a Game Designer is like for him. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? I’m currently working from home, in my office under the stairs! No two days are ever the same – some days I’ll be working on new game ideas, others I might be writing design specs, liaising with coders and artists or testing out a selection of games. One of the biggest challenges I face is managing and prioritising time – I'm often needing to juggle ten different balls at once. TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING A GAME... From initial idea to delivery can take as little as a few months or as long as a few

years. Generally I work to a client brief – which will include a set of learning outcomes the game must offer. The first step is to understand the subject at hand. If it’s an academic topic, for example, I talk to educators about how it is taught, what students need to learn and common mistakes they make. Once all available information has been gathered, it’s time to start generating a core game mechanic – this is the primary in-game action that a player will need to perform over and over in order to ‘perfect’ and improve their skills.

"tools like GamesMaker make it easy to give it a go"

Once the core mechanic is nailed, the game can be fleshed out. Context, storyline and characters all need to be considered. Next, I'll write a tight design spec and share it with a team of coders and artists. We build in lots of time for

How To...

The Wrecks Factor

Improve your maths skills with Dave's game The Wrecks Factor – available at mangahigh.com

[Info] GAMES DESIGNER: SKILLS REQUIRED n A love of gaming n Artistic flair n Technical competency n Ability to prioritise and manage time

testing, prototypes and development before we're happy to deliver the final game. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE STUDENTS WHO MIGHT WANT TO TEST THEIR SKILLS AS A GAME DESIGNER? Anyone can have a go at building a game, you just need the confidence to give it a go. To succeed, a real love of gaming is key. While playing, ask yourself these questions – what makes the game fun? What is the key mechanic? How could the [MINI CV] game be improved? n Name: Dave Upchurch n D.O.B: 1967 n Education: Leicester University. B.Sc. Physics with Astrophysics n Most unusual job? I once worked as a pet shop assistant

I'd also suggest reading interviews with game designers about how they tackle problems. Gamasutra.com is a great place to start. There are also lots of interesting books on the market, two personal favourites are A Theory Of Fun by Ralph Koster and Jess Schell’s The Art Of Game Design.

n Foot in the door role? Games reviewer at ACE magazine

If you find you're getting along well, work experience is a worthwhile way of getting your foot in the door. Look out for Tester or Production Assistant roles. Google local developers and publishers, send them your CV and a short cover letter outlining your passion for development as opposed to gaming.

n Astute planner and organiser n Ability to analyse your own work n Efficient multitasker n Solid communicator Mario gets the thumbs up

If you’re thinking about further study, I’d suggest a course in Programming or Computer Programming – but there are lots of routes ‘in’. Discuss with your teachers and enjoy. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Playing new games – on the go it’ll be on my iPhone or 3DS, at home – my PC. My favourite character has to be Mario and I'm a big fan of Nintendo's Miyamoto. Producing work that is well-recieved keeps me motivated – The Wrecks Factor available at mangahigh.com is my current career high along with having my work mentioned in a speech given by Bill Gates.

What exactly is a Game Designer?

n Career turning point? Being approached by LEGO with a role in its Games Division n Best known for? My work as Games Director at mangahigh.com

Why not start creating your own web or smart phone games – thanks to tools like GameMaker it’s easier than it’s ever been to give it a go. You could even try and find someone to code your first game with you. See yoyogames.com

n Pleasure for research and investigation

Nintendo's Miyamoto

A Game Designer creates and develops games. This may involve everything from creating the content, storyline, characters and rules to curating the environment and structure of gameplay. As a Game Designer you will likely brief coders and artists and manage teams of people as the game evolves. A good Game Designer requires creativity, technical competency, focus and good communication skills.

9 3

INTERVIEW

Interview

Q&A

Tom Daley

Voice Of A Digital Age Olympic diving sensation, star of ITV's Splash!, and master of social media Tom Daley on why he loves tweeting and the tech he couldn't live without Words:Emily Eades t time of going to print Tom Daley has 2,306,605 Twitter followers, placing him in the same social media league as David Cameron and Richard Branson. Not bad for an 18-year-old boy from Plymouth. But of course, a huge fan base – from grannies Tom is no ordinary young man. to adoring sports fans and of In the past six months alone, he course gaggles of excited young scooped bronze at the London women. While Tom's training 2012 Olympics, became the host schedule leaves little time for of his own reality tv show, Splash! the type of social life you or I may and still found time to score an be accustomed to, he manages A* and two As at A and AS Level. to stay in touch with fans, And all this, while wearing little followers, family and friends more than a pair of trunks. All using a variety of gadgets, apps things considered, it's hardly and sites that he has come to surprising that he has amassed love and rely on. Currently in the midst of a dedicated regime that will take him up to the World Championships in July, Tom kindly took a moment out to talk to Techmix about technology, how and why he loyally interacts with his legions of fans and that next on his wish list is a waterproof SmartPhone that's small enough to store in the sideband of his trunks...

Thanks for meeting with us Tom. We're avid fans of Splash! – we were pleased to have you back on our screens after the Olympics. Watching you on the box isn't the only way Tom Daley-lovers can stay in tune with you though, is it? Not at all. I use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Keek and of course there is tomdaley.tv . I update most of these on a daily basis, so there is always a way to interact with me. (Turn the page for details on how to follow Tom across the digital board). That's a lot of social networking. Why is an active online presence so important to you? When I'm travelling, being online is an easy way to stay in touch with friends and keep up to date with what each of us is up to. I enjoy following funny people too – I like watching silly videos or reading interesting and humorous facts. In terms of fans, I think it's important to give a personal insight into my life.

Q&A Do you have a preferred way of communicating with fans – digitally speaking? I tend to use Twitter for random conversations and comments, whereas Facebook is a great space for giving more details and links to my website (tomdaley.tv). Keek is great fun for 30-second clips that I can create and edit on the go, which gives my fans an instant look at some of the cool things I get to do. Do you ever take a break from social media? Well I obviously can't be tweeting while I'm in the pool training! But social media has become such a part of my life, it would definitely feel wierd without it.

With that in mind, are you a phone-on-the-dinner-table type of person? I have to admit that sometimes I get quite caught up with it all and do occasionally use my phone during dinner! Do you have a mobile phone brand or model of choice? I'm loving my BlackBerry at the moment – it's great for travelling as the battery lasts a decent amount of time, which is essential when I'm in long training sessions. I'm hoping to get my hands on the new Z10 – it looks awesome. I've always got my phone near me – it holds so much important information, from music to my school work

Tom has turned his hand to television presenting, with his ITV show Splash!

and of course Facebook, Twitter etc. It's great to be able to store so much important information on such a small device. AllI need now is a waterproof device that I can store in the side of my trunks – then we're really talking!

on social media. I think it's important to learn how to switch off when you read anything negative – it's not worth getting involved in. Luckily for me, 99.9% of the time the comments I get are positive.

"social media has become such a part of my life, it would feel weird without it" 12

We're pleased to hear that. Tell us about Keek and the videos you share using the site? Keek is a great way to share video status updates and it's fully Are you ever surprised by the integrated with my Facebook amount of 'likes' or comments and Twitter accounts. you recieve? Sometimes there are moments All the time! The response I get on that cry out for being caught on social media is insane! video – so it gives me another way of communicating with You famously had a bad friends and followers. experience with a Twitter troll last year. Do you have any How often will you upload advice for others on how to deal videos? with something like that? It's not so much a conscious Sadly, I think everyone thought – I'll just film something experiences a level of negativity if I fancy it. It's so quick and easy.

Pictures: Nicky johnston, Alamy

How often might you check into Facebook each day? At least ten times – every time I look at my phone really.

Interview

OUR FAVOURITE TOM DALEY TWEETS RT: hahaha Terry Wogan on BBC radio 2 '@TomDaley1994 must be the only person who wears more clothes on the beach than he does at work!' From schoolboy (above left) to sporting superstar...

Do you edit the films first, or are they uploaded complete with bleepers and all? I've recently downloaded the iMovie app, which means I can film bits and pieces throughout the day then edit them myself. We hear you also have an app on the market. Why did you decide to develop it, and can you tell us a bit about it? I've really enjoyed developing the Tom Daley app. I felt there wasn't an app on the market that was true to diving and I wanted to change that. It's basically a gamedriven app that teaches users about diving and how to score high points. It's pretty addictive and the graphics are brilliant.

Are there any apps not yet available that you'd like to see? Hmm, that's a tough one. I think it would be good to have an app that could just tell you everything you needed to know, a bit like Apple's Siri, but you wouldn't need you to ask it anything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it would just know what you were thinking. A bit advanced maybe, but useful! What do Tom Daley fans have to look forward to this year? Diving's still where I'm focusing. I've got the World Championships coming up in July. I'll be keeping everyone up to date on that plus all the fun stuff in between. on Twitter, Keek, Facebook and TomDaley.TV.

Why don't you continue the chat with Tom by following him on Twitter @TomDaley1994, include the hashtag #TechmixMag and we can follow you back too! For more ways to keep in touch with Tom, see right.

I just love cuddles :0) How do you pronounce charades? With an ay sound or an ah sound Love how @ AndySamuels31 said breaky at 8.30 and I was like No 9...and he is still asleep and so are @nikitaross and @Xsophielee i'm hungry:( Damn! I'm too late to pre-order the iPhone 5!! Definitely not going to have one for a while now! Haha Who does it with them on?! ;) RT @lil_pillow: @ TomDaley1994 I don't know many people who do their homework with their clothes off... :P

I am absolutely loving the #paralympics coverage on channel 4!! @ClareBalding1 and @AdeAdepitan are such a good combo! It is just so amazing how inspiring all of the Paralympians are, competing with such grit and determination... heroes, all of you! The wildlife trust girl that just knocked on my door and I answered just had the fright of her life hahahaha ha so funny!!

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TOM, ON AND OFF THE DIVING BOARD... Twitter and Keek: @TomDaley1994 Facebook page: TomDaleyOfficial Facebook Website: TomDaley.TV Tom's app: Available to download on the Apple Store

IN COOL COMPANY

nYOU ASKED, WE'LL ANSWER

nADVENTURE CALLS

Zondle.com / @Zondle

@Brainpop_UK

Just over a year ago, fun-learning platform Zondle was little more than a bunch of guys wearing matching T-shirts blindly tweeting and hoping someone, somewhere was listening. Cut to today – the company celebrates 150,000 users worldwide, and the man wearing the statistics hat has worked out that a question is played on Zondle every second of every day. What, exactly, makes Zondle so popular? Ben Barton, the game's CEO, thinks it's the tools they make available to kids to play educational content, in the exact way they want to play it: 'Taking tricky and often tiresome subjects like French vocabulary, for example, Zondle offers over 50 different game formats – so you never get bored'. The guys credit 'always thinking big' as part of their Who should we follow success, (they count on twitter? Zuckerberg as a constant @dawnhallybone and inspiration). 'It can be quite @digitalmaveric lonely running your own Who is Zondle’s dream brand business, so find communities ambassador? to share your stories with'. Stephen Fry, because he Zondle promises to make knows a lot of stuff and knowledge acquisition fun, we’d just like to hear him with you in the driving seat. say the word Zondle! See what all the hype is about:

Back in 1999, Pediatrician and Neurologist Dr. Kadar teamed up with an animator friend. Their shared aim? To make a collection of short videos designed to help his patients better understand their illnesses. His method was so successful, it has evolved into a global company – BrainPOP UK – with HQ’s in New York, China, France and Mexico. In each BrainPOP UK video, the two main characters of Tim and his robot Moby help kids to better understand the world around them. On their myth-busting adventures, Tim and Moby tackle everything on the go – from the moon’s phases to key historical figures like Ada Lovelace (who was the world’s first computer programmer). With over 650 topics currently covered by the How can we turn our animation duo, and two new topics ideas into something real like uploaded each week, you’re Dr. Kadar did? likely to find yourself nodding First, think about in agreement with Tim one storyboarding your idea then minute and in absolute share it with friends or family stitches laughing at Moby for feedback and advice. Then the next. try and find a local animator Why not join Tim and Moby who might want to collaborate on their next adventure? for the next step. Find out more at: brainpop.co.uk

Company Profile

Introducing four digital companies that are growing from humble beginnings to winning success stories. Enjoy and be inspired...

Words:Maggie Scardifield

nCODING MADE EASY

nGOT GWOP?

codeclub.org.uk / @CodeClub

via iTunes / @GWOPOfficial

Code Club is making a lot of noise for a company only ten-months young. This not-for-profit organisation spends its days recruiting high calibre, passionate educators to teach code to kids age nine-11, in weekly after-school clubs around the country. Co-founder and former web designer Clare Sutcliffe is quick to mention the benefits of learning programming skills young. 'Learning code made me a much better designer, that’s for sure. It also allowed me to be my own boss.' Launched in April 2012, there are now over 500 Code Clubs taking place every week in the UK. During the one-and-a-half hour after school workshops, kids meet with their assigned Code Club mentor and learn to make basic games, animations and Who is Code Club’s apps. 'We teach kids using Digital Hero? Scratch for the first two terms, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of then move onto HTML, CSS the World Wide Web. Follow and eventually Python. You’re Tim @timberners_lee guaranteed that at the end of Interested in starting your each session, you will have own Code Club? made something.' Pretty Talk to your ITC teacher who exciting stuff. will be able to point you in Find out where your nearest the right direction. Code Club takes place:

The Universal Bank of GWOP is a digital platform where young people can learn and practice skills required to trade on the stock exchange. Rather than deal with money, GWOPs currency is creative – think music acts and celebrities, who are turned into virtual shares to be bought and sold. GWOP prides itself on being a fun space where users can learn tricky business and finance concepts. Led by former music-event producer, Nii Sackey, GWOP was established in 2011. It's been arming secondary-aged kids with valuable business and digital entrepreneurship skills ever since. 'Our biggest milestone to date was probably when we were able to recruit a young voluntary staff member to become our Head of User Experience and Content, What does GWOP stand for? proving that GWOP is all George Washington On Paper about what successful young What advice does GWOP have people can achieve.' for young people who want to GWOP's 'stock market' is be digital entrepreneurs? updated daily. For instance The only person who really when Beyoncé performed at needs to believe in what you the Superbowl then announced can achieve is you. Give it a go a world tour in the same and don't worry if you fail – it's week? Her stocks went up. all part of the learning curve. See gwop.com or download free

PITCH PERFECT Communications expert Matt Lent guides students from Hackney University Technical College through their journey to the Bett Show's PitchFest. Words:Maggie Scardifield

ackney University Technical College specialises in digital and health technology, giving young people practical and hands-on skills for success in the workplace. It’s not surprising, then, that the students at HUTC were keen to participate in PitchFest, an initiative taking place at the Bett Show. At PitchFest, 15

teams are given five minutes to pitch an education technology idea, in the hope of winning £15,000 worth of prizes. Techmix visited HUTC as the students prepared their pitch, with seasoned communications expert Matt Lent for hands-on advice. We chart their journey from classroom to final presentation.

[ M e e t t h e H U T C t e a m ]

JULIA SAMBOMA Founder of Future U Age: 14 Favourite Subject: Digital Technologies Hero/Heroine: Jamal Edwards When I grow up I want to be a… Music video director, radio dj/host and entrepreneur The tech I can't live without is: Mobile

SERKAN SAHIN IT Director Age: 15 Favourite Subject: Digital, IT, Physics Hero/Heroine: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs When I grow up I want to be a… A coder/ programmer or the IT director of a company. The tech I can't live without is: My computer

HAFEEZ ADIFAGBADE Creative Director Age: 15 Favourite Subject: Digital Hero/Heroine: Steve Jobs When I grow up I want to be an… Architect The tech I can't live without: My computer/laptop

Students from HUTC work together with communications expert Matt Lent to improve their presentation skills

Behind The Scenes

nTHE IDEA

PitchFest provides an opportunity for the public to present a technology-based business idea to a panel of judges.When brainstorming their product for PitchFest, the HUTC team agreed that all the best technologies or apps – the smartphone, iPad and Facebook – were successful because they found a solution to a problem. The team wanted their idea to motivate other children, inspire short and longer-term goals, and reward students for hard work. Their solution was Future U, a virtual platform built around a value system where kids get excited about setting goals and reaching their AIMS (Ambition + Inspiration + Motivation = Success). With Future U, grades and CVs can be uploaded for parents and future employers to see, while progress is rewarded at online space ‘The Merit Shop’ - a place where good behavior or grades can be 'cashed in' for rewards including iTunes vouchers or exclusive video messages from celebirity heroes. Once the idea was set, the team had to decide how best to sell it in to the judges. Enter communications expert, Matt Lent, for guidance and advice.

nTHE MASTERCLASS

'Effective communication, confidence building and teamwork are the focus for the next hour. This is about stepping your game up, and making it tight'. Pitchmaster Matt comes with 20-years experience delivering water-tight communications. His opening speech instantly piqued the children's attention. First up, an introduction. Matt wants to know each student’s job title. 'Job title?' There is an awkward silence around the room. 'But we’re still in school…' says Hafeez. 'Who knows what an elevator pitch is?' says Matt. Again, silence. 'You have just got in a lift with Lord Alan Sugar,' he continues, 'and you have 30 seconds to impress him before he gets out at the next floor. Go.' Suddenly, Hafeez is the Creative Director of Future U; Julia takes the role of a self-assured CEO and Serkan becomes the IT Director. From here on in,

these are their job titles and the students become the Future U version of themselves. During the first run-through of their Future U Pitch, the team is nervous. Matt takes them through a variety of games and activities to help build up confidence. The games are indirect but at the end of the workshop when they stand up to pitch again, the changes are dramatic. An example of one of Matt's activities that you might like to try with your classmates can be found online at TechmixMag.com

When you take to the stage, be proud of what you're saying, if you believe in it, so will the audience

nTHE MAIN EVENT

The pitch is strong. Julia opens confidently: '65% of students believe they don’t receive enough credit for the work they do'. Hafeez stands tall. Serkan holds his own handling tricky questions from the judges. The crowd, including the folk from Dragon's Den, are impressed. Many take to Twitter – 'Future U to win'. While Future U narrowly miss the winning award they do take home the coveted highly commended prize, and are invited to workshop their app using Mozilla Rewards under a mentorship scheme. You can find out more about Hackney UTC at www.hackneyutc.co.uk / @HackneyUTC and Matt Lent at treetoptraining.co.uk/ @MattSL

EYE CONTACT Don’t focus on just one person , you want everyone to feel included – split your focus between areas of the room. TAKE CHARGE When you take to the stage, you’re in charge. Be proud of what you’re saying. If you believe in it, so will the audience. SPEAK SLOWLY When people are nervous, they talk faster. Engage with your audience by keeping sentences slow, and including pauses. BODY LANGUAGE Stand tall and still with your hands behind your back. Roll your shoulders and keep your chin lifted – cool, calm and collected. DRESS TO IMPRESS Play the part! Look professional and you will feel professional – it’s as simple as that.

How to be...

A CODER An interview with Mark Martin

Do you enjoy taking things apart then carefully reassembling them to make something new? Mark Martin did and it’s led to a career in coding – it might be the career for you too Like many teachers, Mark Martin wears many hats. From 7am-5pm he is a dedicated and passionate ICT Teacher at St Marks CoE Academy, London, then in the precious moments outside school hours he exercises his love of technology with personal learning and entrepreneurial projects. One such project is ViewTank (ViewTank.com) – a free website connecting subscribers with directories on music, events and sports. His combined skills make him a veritable coding specialist, so we picked his brains about what it takes to make it in computer programming. WHAT STEERED YOU TOWARDS A CAREER IN CODING? I knew from a young age that I had a passion for creating and developing new technologies. I used to learn HTML coding in my spare time and I’ve always been fascinated by fixing broken items – seeing how all the little bits assemble together to make a functioning unit

really mesmerises me. Coding follows a similar practice – it’s a language made up of hundreds of factions. Once you understand the language, you’re opening up a world of endless technological possibilities. HOW EASY IS IT TO LEARN TO CODE? The first step is to learn some basic terminology that will help you to understand the coding language. Once you’re comfortable with the language, you can develop a basic prototype of a website, programme or application. Learning this language takes time and patience – and you need to be prepared for mistakes, they're all part of the fun.

"coding is a language made up of hundreds of factions"

WHAT ARE THE ROUTES IN? Further study is one possibility – Computer Science or Programming both tick the boxes. Whether or not you choose higher education, self-study is crucial. The more you practice, the better you’ll be.

How To... NEXT TIME YOU'RE ON THE INTERNET, THINK ABOUT ALL THE CODING THAT HAS GONE ON BEHIND THE SCENES TO MAKE WHAT YOU SEE POSSIBLE. IMPRESSIVE STUFF.

[Info] CODING: SKILLS REQUIRED n A love of technology n Concentration n Focus n Ability to bounce back – mistakes are part of the learning process n Perseverance n Self discipline

Work experience is valuable too. It offers a real flavour for the industry and with the right mentoring and commitment you can learn a lot.

SOCIAL

PSSST! DO YOU TWEET? SO DO WE – LET'S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING... Follow us @TechmixMag And use our official hashtag #TechmixMag

Surf the web to find start-up companies – looking at how small technology markets are developing their sites. Apps can offer an insight into how you might want to develop any sites or projects you're working on. Lastly, use online tutorials. I use Youtube for step-by-step guides, Twitter to follow programmers and developers and Github to see apps being shared. Simply Google 'coding' or 'coding for dummies' will give you a good starting point. HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED? Coding takes time and is constantly evolving, so it’s important to be patient and also to keep on learning – reading, practising and sharing ideas with like-minded people is crucial. Downtime is important too – I like listening to jazz, watching anything to do with Liverpool Football Club, watching movies and eating a good Chinese takeaway. Follow Mark on Twitter @Urban_Teacher

What exactly is coding? Coding is the term given to the language of computer science. Coding, or computer programming as it is sometimes called, is the symbolic arrangement of data that enables a website or application to function. Coders will write, test, debug and maintain websites and applications. Next time you're on Facebook think about how all the pieces you see on screen fit together – coding is what happens behind the scenes. Clever or what?

MY NAME IS MARK ZUCKERBERG AND I'M ADDICTED TO CODING

[MINI CV] n Name: Mark Martin n D.O.B: 1983 n Education Surrey University n Current Role ICT Teacher, St Marks CoE Academy n First Job Argos n Career Highlight Completing an MA in Education n Career Low? Seeing my students fly the nest

The Greatest

GADGETS Words:Vicky Smith

Just like James Bond and a great roast dinner, some things will never go out of favour. While 2013 looks to be an exciting year for gadget enthusiasts, let’s not forget the ones that peaked our attention from 2012

WORD PERFECT

Electronic Dictionary Bookmark This digital bookmark widget has 38,000 words from the Collins English Dictionary stored in its memory. So next time you lose yourself in a book and come across a word you’re unsure of, rather than having to find and thumb through a cumbersome dictionary, simply key in the rogue word and find its meaning in seconds. Price: £14.99 Developer: That Company Called If Available at: amazon.co.uk

SCAN SUCCESS

IRIScan Book 2 You’ve found the perfect last minute article for your presentation but it’s reference only and the library scanners are all in use. You have under ten minutes to get to class, what to do? Cue IRIScan Book 2. This portable bag-sized scanner allows you the freedom and accessibility to scan with ease then upload or email instantly. Price: From £75 Developer: IRIS Available at: tradescanners.com

APPY DAYS

Polaroid Kids Tablet This tablet comes preloaded with reading books, maths assistance and educational games to keep the brain ticking over. Developed by Polaroid, its real USP is unsurprisingly the sharp 2mega pixel camera. Snap away then use the wifi capabilities to instantly upload and share your pictures with friends. Price: £100 Developer: Polaroid Available at: Coming soon!

CYCLE SAFE

Biker Reflection Gloves and Socks Safety first. That’s our motto when it comes to cycling. Biking in the winter months can mean riding in dark and often grotty conditions, so it’s important you make yourself as visible as possible to road users. We like SuckUK’s range of reflective socks and gloves to complement a good set of lights and a sturdy helmet. The cosy pieces will not only keep you warm but also illuminate your extremities to passing vehicles. Price: £15 Developer: Suck UK Available at: suck.uk.com

WRITE NOW

Inkflow How many times have you been trying to scribble down a phone number, thought or name of something you’re keen to remember only for your pen to have annoyingly run out of ink. Be caught short no longer. Inkflow incorporates fluid ink graphics so you can sketch, make study notes and reminders directly onto the screen on your iPad. Price: From free Developer: Qrayon, LLC for iPhone or iPad

iStopmotion With iStopMotion anyone can make their own stop-motion feature – think Wallace and Gromit, Morph and Pingu. With impressive editing tools and clear tutorials for newcomers, the software enables users to record , edit and upload films. Charm friends with your budding film skills. Price: £6.99 Developer: Bonix Software for iPad

IT ALL ADDS UP

King Of Maths Improve your maths skills in a no pressure environment with King Of Maths. The app will set you up as a character in Medieval times, be it a farmer or a court jester, then help you exercise your skills from arithmetic to algebra. Perfect for anyone with maths struggles or those who simply love working with numbers. Price: From free Developer: Oddrobo Software AB for iPhone and iPad

EN TS

LIGHTS CAMERA

PICTURE PERFECT

InspirePro Hone your painting skills without ruining mum and dad's carpet with KiwiPixel’s InspirePro app. Select from wet-look oil paints, assorted brushes, shading and blending effects and let your imagination run wild. You can even import photos to paint over, then upload and share with your friends. Release your inner Picasso. Price: From free Developer: KiwiPixel

LE AR NI NG

GarageBand GarageBand may well have been around for a while, but its popularity means that its developers keep evolving it into an ever-tighter machine. Use real instrument sounds, sample and mix beats, record your own vocals then layer until you’ve made an original track. Be a rock star in your bedroom without waking the neighbours. Price: £2.99 Developer: Apple

LE AR NI NG

EN TS

SOUNDS GOOD

LE AR NI NG

OUR FAVOURITE APPS THIS MONTH

Technology doesn’t just enable us to organise, shout about and share notes on our social lives, it is also an invaluable support when it comes to school work. Here are our top tips on apps set to rock 2013

Apps

FAST FACTS

Britannica Kids Download a series of informative books about everything from dinosaurs to Ancient Egypt and learn with pictures, stories and videos about unfamiliar subjects. Once you’ve swotted up, test your knowledge with fun interactive games and quizzes. This is all about learning, made easy. Price: £4.99 Developer: Encyclopedia Britannica Inc for iPhone and iPad

YO U R D I GT TA L F U T U R E

ONLY £3

[ N E X T

I S S U E ]

ARE YOU AN AS PIRING INNOVATOR ? If the answer is yes, then grab the next issue of Techmix. Share the news with your teachers, and get them to register now to receive details on how you or your classmates can win an SDA! Visit TechmixMag.com

M: .I.A S, L L WI OOT D SH S AN TH I IT ED ES W HO! R S A SH TO.SO O F

Plus...

CE L E BR I TI ES A N D THEI R G A D G ETS Musicians, entrepreneurs, trailblazers - what can’t they live without?

B U I L D I N G A M O B I L E A P P ◆ C R E AT I N G A G A M E I N F L A S H 22 ◆ B E C O M I N G A D I G I T A L E N T R E P R E N E U R ◆

SDA Awards

STUDENT DIGITAL AWARDS Introducing a new, nationwide digital innovation competition!

At Techmix, we’re dedicated to supporting and championing the best new talent in the world of technology, and we know that YOU have the finest ideas out there! We’re excited to hear about them, which is why we’ve launched the Student Digital Awards – a national platform to connect you, the next wave of digital creatives, with some of the world’s biggest brands.

DIGITAL DESIGN & ANIMATION: EXAMPLE BRIEF To whet your appetites for now, here’s an example of how the SDA comp will run. here are over 150 million students learning in the world today. From tablet games to browser-based learning platforms, Education Games Network (EGN) develops playful learning tools and games to help engage students in a fun and familiar way. EGN is developing a new game called Journey Through Time, a graphic-rich adventure game series based on characters from UK history.

THE CREATIVE BRIEF: Design a new character for the EGN’s Journey Through Time game. Our favourite accidental heroes, DJ and Bos, are headed off on their next adventure and they need your help! We want you to design a new character to help the boys save the world. Will it be a pet? A pineapple? The choice is yours.

THE PRIZE: 15 shortlisted schools will be invited to take the stage at the Digital Summer Camp, pitching their ideas to industry experts. (Read more about the Digital Summer Camp on page 24) The student with the best idea will get... n A paid summer work experience placement n Our favourite entries will be profiled in Techmix Magazine, and featured in the SDA annual n Mentorship from industry experts Think it’s the kind of challenge you could rise to? You know what to do! For full details and all the latest creative briefs, keep a watch on TechmixMag.com and be sure to pick up the next issue of the magazine.

DIGITAL BRIEFS ACROSS:

PUN K S CI EN CE & 3D P RI N TI N G

C O M P U T I NG S C I E NC E & AP P D ES I G N

D I G I TAL MUSIC

C O NT ENT C REAT IO N FO R WEB

Mix it up at the...

DIGITAL

S UM M E R It’s time to plug yourself in at the Digital Summer Camp!

ver wanted to create your own app, build a website, shoot a movie or design an award winning computer game? What about the chance to stand side by side with the professionals that build the games you play, edit the videos you watch online and code the hottest websites? If this sounds like you – you better get down to the Digital Summer Camp! Over two weeks this July-August in London, the DSC is a festival set to make noise! Meet the world’s best programmers and digital producers, learn a range of new digital skills, test innovative new gadgets and technology and hear from the world’s leading tech companies. Get ready to get your hands dirty with digital!

GIVE ME THE LOWDOWN!

There will be more than enough to keep you busy for a full week and then some! With over 200+ exhibitors showcasing the best interactive games, apps, hack and make displays and digital effects out of the UK, Europe and the USA - this is choose your own adventure in real time! At DSC you can; check in to exciting digital workshops, listen to leading experts and employers, enter competitions and giveaways to win fantastic prizes, pick up insider tips and gain exposure on the inner workings of the digital space. Techmix has a front row seat… Fancy joining us?

CAMP

CREATE, BREAK AND MAKE! DSC will feature the most exciting technology, gadgets and activities across:

COMPUTING SCIENCE & APP DESIGN

CONTENT CREATION FOR WEB

Design and build apps for all mobile devices, experiment with the latest hardware and learn how to create your own standout websites.

Tell your story and connect with millions online! Explore online video, blogging and vlogging, then learn how to promote your content through social media.

DIGITAL DESIGN & ANIMATION

PUNK SCIENCE & 3D PRINTING

Learn how to animate your very own cartoon characters! Build a storyboard with expert support, apply behaviors and watch your animations unfold…

Build, bulldoze and brainstorm your own inventions with fantastic 3D printers, science experiments and our own digital workshop.

COMPUTER GAMES & GAME DESIGN Learn how to create, build, test and debug an interactive game from industry professionals; plus gain insider tips on what makes a game sell millions.

DIGITAL FILM MAKING, PRODUCTION & EDITING Interested in a career in production? Experiment with professional video cameras and equipment, green screen video affects and Hollywood-grade techniques that are sure to get you noticed!

HARDWARE & ROBOTICS Not allowed a pet? Learn how to build a robot instead! Bring your robot to life with programming sensors and motors to get them thinking!

DIGITAL CAREERS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP Gain tips and tricks about starting your own business and hear innovative new ideas from the UK’s best entrepreneurs! Discover new careers and ways to enhance your knowledge!

DIGITAL MUSIC Use instruments to sample and mix tracks, learn about digital composition, sound effects and sharing music online.

FA L K I R K ST R E E T TO HOXTON TUBE - WALK: 5 MINS

August 2013

HOXTON STREET

UK's Biggest Digital Festival

HACKNEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS

Stage

KINGSLAND ROAD

WHERE IS IT? The Digital Summer Camp is based a short 10 minute walk from Old Street Tube in East London, at the Hackney Community College Campus. For full details and a map visit Visit: DigitalSummerCamp.com

Digital Leaders Innovation Zone

Want to be the first to know about Digital Summer Camp, including early release tickets and special events? Follow: @DSCamp Visit: DigitalSummerCamp.com

Digital Village Food Market Bright Sparks Lab Digital Home

EVENT ENTRANCE

Hackney UTC

TO LIVERPOOL ST - BUS: 10 MINS

OLD STREET - WALK: 12 MINS

ZONES

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Unlimited creativity. Sensational price. Students and teachers, join Adobe® Creative Cloud™ and get all your favourite creative tools for only £15.88/mth for the first 12 months*. Hurry, offer ends 11 March 2013. www.adobe.com/go/jointhecloud

* For further information including Education eligibility, pricing and terms & conditions please visit www.adobe.com/go/jointhecloud Adobe, the Adobe logo, Creative Cloud, the Creative Cloud logo, and Creative Suite are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2013 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved.