Learning Tech: Geeky Summit Workshops
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi
In the age of quick 30-second videos, Pinterest projects and online courses, the opportunities to learn are endless. I learn new things every day. Sometimes the learning experience is smooth and fruitful, and sometimes it ends with me in tears, convinced that I’m an idiot. The truth we all know is the journey of learning is filled with obstacles — we just have to remember we’re not alone. And what better way to be reminded of this than in a workshop?
I know it can be terrifying. Walking into a workshop, surrounded by strangers, and learning a topic entirely foreign to you can be incredibly intimidating. But let me tell you a secret — you’re not the only one feeling anxious. I can almost guarantee that at least 3 out of the 4 people around you are feeling the exact same way.
This year at Geeky Summit, we have an extra day of tech workshops — find out more about these trending topics and how can you apply them in your everyday life.
Coding like Coco Chanel
Presented by STEM Learning Lab
When I was younger, my parents bought me a pair of LA Lights sneakers by LA Gear. For those of you who don’t know what those are, they were the coolest shoes ever and they lit up with your every step. Sure, they may have caused an occasional distraction to the point of tripping me up, but my shoes were literally illuminating the way. Imagine my delight in learning that I could have the same illumination in almost every piece of clothing!
Incorporate technology into your clothing and program how they light up: motion, timing, intensity, colours, the customization is limitless. Create one-of-a-kind pieces that range from casual accessories, costumes to high-end fashion pieces.
Presented by the STEM Learning Lab, a Calgary company that promotes student engagement in the science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) fields, the workshop highlights the ease of use with Calgary-based Stitch kits and the future of fashion.
Capture the Flag: Web Security Hacking
Presented by Cisco
Remember the movie Hackers, starring Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller and how the heroes of the movie hacked into a company to expose their nefarious deeds? Now it’s your turn to have a go at a cooperative challenge, where you’ll identify computer security vulnerabilities and avoid the flashy and inaccurate Hollywood ‘hacking’ methods. Learn how to make your web systems stronger by understanding the mind of the hacker.
Katie Underwood and Gavin Miller, experience Software Engineers at Cisco will guide you through how to ‘win’ a secret token by helping you find and understand web application security vulnerabilities. Experience firsthand how to best locate the susceptible points in your web security system and learn how to avoid them in your work and personal life.
Real World Data Science
Presented by Cybera
Artificial Intelligence. Big Data Analytics. Machine Learning. We’ve all heard these words before, but what do they mean and how does it affect Canadian businesses? Cybera, an Albertan not-for-profit technology agency, will walk you through the concepts of data science and how you can use this knowledge to gain a strong competitive advantage.
Learn practical strategies using case studies and real-life examples on how to approach data science. And remember, ask questions whenever you feel lost — chances are, someone else has that exact same question.
Digitally Design Yourself
Presented by Bow Valley College
We are well into the digital age with many of our introductions happening online. Bow Valley College will walk you through how to build your digital presence online and create an online portfolio that reflects what you’ve done and the brilliant potential you hold within. Learn HTML and CSS while incorporating best practices of design and layout to create a personal website that sets you apart from others.
Be sure to bring your laptop along with your digital images and professional bio so you can experience hands-on learning and emerge from the class with a better handle on how to present your best digital reflection.
If you’re not able to attend a workshop, you can explore options at Bow Valley College. Bow Valley College offers several creative technologies courses that are invaluable in our evolving work environment. From digital marketing to data management and analytics, learn how to embrace and harness new technology.
Check out their Open House on Saturday, October 20 and learn more about the flexible learning opportunities at Bow Valley College.
Regardless of which tech workshop you decide to take, you’ll leave with a better understanding of yourself. While it may be uncomfortable at times to learn something completely new, push through, and know that you’ll often find an equally uncomfortable classmate to share your learning with.
Geeky Summit is hosted by Chic Geek, a non-profit that curates content, people and companies to build a supportive community where tech-enabled women advance their careers.
Learn from inspiring speakers from November 16–17 2018 at the new Calgary Public Library. Get your early bird tickets until Monday, October 15, 2018.
