The Institute of Coding at Newcastle University are running a number of short CPD courses to help upskill people in key areas.
Dynamo members can save £20 when booking a place on any of the three sessions; simply input promotional code 551698 at the checkout.
An Introduction to Blockchain: Reality and Myths on September 16
There is a considerable amount of hype about cryptocurrencies and blockchain as a result of extensive, and sometimes excessive, business press coverage seen in the past five years. Despite the hype, from a technology perspective, blockchains exhibit a number of very exciting and important features that justify the attention. In this session, the technology principles behind blockchain and the main implications of the technology on businesses and society as a whole will be explained. The session will also cover developments in public systems (bitcoin and other systems) as well as company-private variants such as hyperledger.
Attendees will gain knowledge about the different types of blockchain that exist and will be able to judge which blockchain can be useful in various situations. The aim of the session is for attendees to leave knowing what is real and what is myth in press and other reports about blockchain.
Who should attend this session?
- The session is particularly suited for decision makers as well as for people who want to gain a better understanding of the topic
- Attendees are not expected to have prior knowledge about blockchain technology although some understanding about IT would make it easier to follow.
Who are the instructors?
This session will be jointly delivered by Prof Aad van Moorsel and Dr Paul Ezhilchelvan from Newcastle University.
An Introduction to Cloud Computing: Reality and Pitfalls on October 8
This session will: i) introduce and examine Cloud Computing, ii) describe the software and hardware components from which cloud infrastructure and platforms are constructed, and iii) explain the methods for building and managing scalable cloud applications. Case studies drawn from industrial applications of cloud computing will be used throughout to motivate the exploration of cloud service models.
Attendees will gain knowledge about the different types of Cloud Computing service models that exist and will be able to judge which cloud service model (e.g., public, private, hybrid) can be useful for their organisation. They will be able to understand the knowledge and skills that are required to successfully desing and build scalable systems on cloud. The aim of the session is for attendees to leave knowing what is feasible with Cloud Computing and what are the pitfalls that they should we aware of.
Who should attend this session?
- The session is particularly suited for decision makers as well as for people who want to gain a better understanding of the topic of Cloud Computing
- The session does not assume prior knowledge about Cloud Computing although some basic understanding of Operating Systems will make it easier to follow.
Who is the instructor?
The session will be delivered by Prof Rajiv Ranjan from Newcastle University.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Gamification in the Workplace on October 22
Gamification is not a guaranteed success and there are many examples of failure. This session presents best practices in gamification deployment within, and across, organisational boundaries using case studies and general guidance for deployment success. This includes approaches that educate, motivate and, engage employees to optimise workflows and increase employee satisfaction.
Gamification is the utilisation of a game to encourage a useful outcome (beyond that of entertainment). Using a puzzle that reflects a biological model and getting people to solve it (crowd sourced solutions) or improving employer/customer engagement by enhancing the workplace with games that improve company outcomes (e.g., sales, productivity) are examples of Gamification in the Workplace. Reviews on TripAdvisor are an example for travel reviewers (with levels and badges) of Gamification. In simple terms, if there is a badge or level that people can attain, then that is an example of the most basic version of gamification. The best gamification approaches are usually ubiquitous in nature.
Gamification can influence every level of the workplace. Learning techniques and enabling technologies for gamification will be the key elements to motivating employees and customers. Therefore, knowledge of how to best utilise such technology will be an important skill for anyone with leadership roles within their organisations – from executive level roles where gamification techniques are designed and tailored with third party consultation through to supervisory roles requiring the ability to wield such technology for the benefit of their support staff.
Who should attend this session?
- The session is particularly suited for decision makers as well as for people who want to gain a better understanding of the topic of Gamification
- The session is suitable for participants in a wide range of sectors inlcuding but not limited to education, marketing, recruitment, business, healthcare, and banking
- No prior knowledge about Gamification is expected.
Who is the instructor?
The course will be delivered by Dr Graham Morgan from Newcastle University.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
