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 | Parliament encourages students encouraged to use technology to make people smile
Print article  Email article to a friend This was published: 2009-02-03 08:00:00
The Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM), in partnership with e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology, launch the third year of their UK-wide technology challenge for all pupils aged 9 to 11, with the theme of Make IT Happy.
Make IT Happy judges will be looking for imaginative, technology-based initiatives which will have a positive impact upon the local community. Students should show how technology, ranging from video skits to radio shows, interactive websites to downloadable podcasts, can be used creatively to make people happy.
Winning schools will be rewarded with cash prizes provided by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Computer Society. £1,200 will be awarded to the winning school from each of the nine English Regions and Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Further cash prizes will be awarded to those that are placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall. Winning schools will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in October.
Andrew Miller, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and Chairman of PITCOM said: “This is the third consecutive year of the competition and we know that this year will be the most successful yet. We’re looking to enlist the support of as many MPs as possible so that the competition can touch every corner of the UK. Make IT Happy presents a fantastic opportunity for pupils to pull together and come up with an exciting and imaginative technological solution which will make people smile.”
Karen Price, CEO of e-skills UK said:
“Creative challenges like Make IT Happy can really help to inspire young people about the potential of technology. We’re proud to support this competition, which gives students a great opportunity to stretch their imaginations and learn how technology can make a positive contribution to the world.”
Lord Toby Harris, Treasurer of PITCOM added:
“Developments in technology and changing social issues mean that the Make IT Happy competition is especially relevant and stimulating. Technology is constantly improving the way we live and work and it is vital that we support young people’s enthusiasm for IT. We’re looking forward to seeing some truly innovative entries this year.”
Entries can be in any format, but the more creative the better.
The closing date for entries is 31st July 2009.
For further information, and to see previous winners, visit the website at Make IT Happy.
The Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) provides a forum for MPs, Peers, senior civil servants, academics and ICT professionals to exchange information and opinions. It has evening meetings in a Committee Room of the House of Commons on the policy implications of new technologies, and holds receptions and an annual dinner in the House of Lords. The Committee also provides in-depth briefing papers for its Parliamentary members.
Related links to this article:
Parliamentary Information Technology Committee
Make IT Happy
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