The Machine: A computer science education podcast

Are you interested in studying computing but feel a bit daunted by entering a field that can seem overwhelming? As professional computer science educators, we are often asked questions by prospective students about what’s actually involved in studying computing, the types of roles one can expect after graduating, the skills a student needs, and more. For this episode, we tried to distil some of those common questions into a podcast. If you’re someone who thinks computing is only for math wizards and “hardcore” programmers, this is the podcast for you! (Spoiler alert: The answer is NO!) We discuss tech innovation and how ethical IT professionals can have a positive impact on the world. We also explore the hidden perks of IT careers, beyond the good salaries. Join Amanda Freeman-Gater, TJ McDonald, and Rob O’Connor - all from the Department of Computing and Mathematics at SETU - for an easy-to-follow conversation on why you should study computing. Useful Links: Articles Careers Portal – Information Technology https://careersportal.ie/sectors/sectors.php?sector_id=8 Brightwater Salary Survey 2024 https://online.flippingbook.com/view/692494949/ Technological university graduates more likely to be employed after leaving college (Irish Times) https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/12/19/technological-university-graduates-more-likely-to-be-employed-after-leaving-college/ The highest paying sectors for new graduates (BusinessPlus) https://businessplus.ie/business-insights/highest-paid-graduates/ Courses BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (SE600) https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-computer-science-common-entry BSc (Hons) in Software Systems Development https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-software-systems-development BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics and Security (SE602) https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-computer-forensics-and-security BSc (Hons) in Creative Computing https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-creative-computing BSc in Information Technology https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-in-information-technology BSc in Creative Computing https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-in-creative-computing BSc in Software Systems Development https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-in-software-systems-development Personal profiles Amanda Freeman-Gater https://www.setu.ie/staff/amanda-freeman-gater TJ McDonald https://www.setu.ie/staff/tj-mcdonald Robert O’Connor https://www.setu.ie/staff/robert-oconnor

Ho ho ho! Five of the regular podcast hosts from WIT got together to record a joint episode recommending some books, TV programmes, films, podcasts and tech that you (or a loved one) might enjoy over the Christmas period. Features Jenny O’Connor from The Nerve, Bruce Wardrop from Win Win, Niamh Maguire from Engendering Change, Tom Grinsell from WIT Talks Student Life and Rob O’Connor of The Machine. A very Happy Christmas to all our listeners. Recommendation Notes: Bruce Wardrop (Book) Atomic Habits – James Clear https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits (Podcast) Real Science of Sport https://twitter.com/sportsscipod (Podcast) Where Is George Gibney? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p08njhrm Niamh Maguire (Book) Girl Woman Other – Bernadine Evaristo https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41081373-girl-woman-other (TV Show) - Rita https://www.netflix.com/ie/title/70285368 Tom Grinsell (Documentary) The Wolfpack Insider [Tour de France 2020] https://youtu.be/NOEoqwi9Mls (TV Show) Queen’s Gambit https://www.netflix.com/ie/title/80234304 Jenny O’Connor (Book) Actress – Anne Enright https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45993330-actress (Film) God’s Own Country https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5635086/ (Film) Only You https://www.netflix.com/ie/title/81111212 Rob O’Connor (Film) The Midnight Sky https://www.netflix.com/ie/title/80244645 (Tech) Nintendo Switch https://www.nintendo.com/switch/ Extra Notes: Desert Island Discs, Bernadine Evaristo https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mrb1 Desert Island Discs, Anne Enright https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000dpn1

We have three IT security and forensics experts in the virtual studio for this episode! Rob knows next to nothing about cybersecurity so was able to honestly ask questions like "what is a denial of service attack?' and "how does encryption work?." Thankfully Judy Kelly (Security Architect with Red Hat), Jimmy McGibney and John Sheppard (both Lecturers from WIT) were on hand to provide the answers. It also includes some practical hints and tips on how you can best protect your personal data and devices. If you're searching for a starting place to understand computer security, look no further ...

Following on from our previous episode, here's a discussion about two more Covid19 projects that are being actively worked on during the lockdown by researchers from TSSG at WIT. Rob chats with Director of Research at TSSG Sasitharan Balasubramaniam along with Dixon Vimalajeewa and Bruna Fonesca to discuss "Treating Lung Tissue Damage due to COVID-19" and "Molecular Communication modelling of COVID-19 in the Respiratory System", projects that are collaborations with the PMBRC research group at WIT, Teagasc, the University of Tampere (Finland) and Rochester Institute of Technology (USA). The conversation goes off on a bit of a tangent about data sets, molecular computing, remote working and some other subjects. Please excuse the glitchy sound quality in places - obviously, due to the Covid19 lockdown this podcast was recorded remotely.

Mark White (VP for Research & Innovation) and Kathryn Kiely (Industry Services Manager) spoke with Rob about research activities at WIT. What kind of work goes on? How important is it to the Institute? What does it mean for students? What does it mean for SMEs? Recorded remotely during the Covid19 lockdown.

As a special Christmas treat, we present a radio nativity play which was produced by computing students from WIT back in 2012, made in conjunction with Beat 102-103. It was shortlisted for a number of radio awards at the time and always raises a smile from Rob when he listens. It's a fairly irreverent retelling of the famous story, so if you're easily offended please switch off now.  The bulk of the work was carried out by four students (in 2012!) who are now all working away with their own careers. We won't name names, but everyone involved should be proud of this work. It's mighty craic, as long as you don't take it too seriously. You might also recognise a few other familiar voices in there if you're an avid radio listener in Ireland. Hope you enjoy and a wishing all our listeners a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Two students of the HDip in Computer Science at WIT were drafted in to describe their experiences of being a student on a totally online programme. Sarah Barron and Bernard Thompson were very generous and forthcoming with their answers! Also on hand were lecturing staff Eamonn de Leastar and Colm Dunphy to give the experience from a teaching perspective.

As it's #CodeWeek across the EU, we thought we'd record an episode offering advice on starting coding with younger folk (primary and secondary school age children). We spoke about some of our personal experiences working with schools and mentoring with CodeDojo. On the panel were podcast regulars Siobhan Drohan and Brenda Mullally, along with another WIT faculty member Frank Walsh. Our guest was primary school teacher Kate Warren, Deputy Principal of Gaelscoil Port Lairge, who's partnered with Siobhan and Brenda to deliver all sorts of innovative activities based around coding and problem-solving skills. During the podcast, we reference a number of resources which are linked here: Scratch Jr - https://www.scratchjr.org Scratch - https://scratch.mit.edu  Sphero - https://www.sphero.com Bee-Bot - https://bit.ly/2kqXlUx Makey Makey - https://makeymakey.com  Hour of Code - https://hourofcode.com Coder Dojo - https://coderdojo.com As always, if you'd like to get in touch you'll find us @machine_podcast on Twitter or on Facebook.

In what is likely to be the final episode of The Machine for this season, Rob chatted with some outgoing final year undergraduate computing students about their time at WIT: Dimitra Zucharelli, Ciaran Roche and Emma Ní Bhriain. The offered advice they wished they could have heard as first years and discussed some of the technical skills they learned over their four years. They also reflected on the social and personal growth they experienced as students.  Follow The Machine on Twitter @machine_podcast or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/machinepodcast 

Four women chat about how they began their careers in computing & technology. Features Phil Healy (Irish Athlete and postgraduate computing student at WIT), Aisling Furlong (digital media consultant with Glanbia), Mairead Meagher (computing lecturer at WIT) and Judy O'Brien (final year student of Computer Forensics & Security). Hosted by Rob O'Connor.

How can technology assist in the learning experience? How have these systems evolved over the years? What kind of access opportunities to education can they provide? A very interesting discussion on this episode of the podcast between Laura Widger and Pete Windle of the Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning (CTEL) at WIT, Emma Fahey a 3rd year computing student and our host, Rob O’Connor.

We have a festive themed episode today! Rob is joined by Mairead Meagher, Siobhan Drohan, Brenda Mullally and Colm Dunphy to reminisce about tech gifts from years gone by, make some recommendations for tech gift for this Christmas and even predict some trends for the future. Ho Ho Ho!