Students got challenged on digital innovation and app development

This spring, 24 pupils at Oslo International School have participated in the three-week learning programme, TCS goIT. Under the guidance of both teachers and IT experts from Tata Consultancy Services, they have had the chance to test the waters as IT experts and produced apps to solve a chosen societal problem related to the UN's sustainability goals. The winning team impressed the jury with their digital solution to sustainability goal 7: Clean energy for all.

− Together with TCS, we have taken a combined software-and-hardware approach to problem solving within the UN's sustainability goals. At Oslo International School, we believe in the importance of innovative, digital solutions to solve the challenges of the future. We also want to increase the proportion of girls in technology and have great faith in experience-based learning and education, says teacher and Digital Skills Programme Developer at Oslo International School at Bekkestua, Angus Reith.

The digital innovation programme, goIT, is a CSR initiative by the IT company Tata Consultancy Services, which aims to increase interest in science and technology, commonly referred to as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Over three weeks, volunteer IT experts from TCS have coached teachers and students in both programming and IT design. The 24 students were divided into four teams that finally presented their digital solutions to a societal problem related to the UN's 17 sustainability goals.

The winning team impressed the jury with its solution to sustainability goal 7: Clean energy for all. The students presented the app Powersafe. Combined with Microbits, the app measures energy consumption. The app also notifies you if any lights are left on when you’re out, and lets you turn them off through the app. The goal of the app is to help people reduce energy consumption and consequently reduce the electricity bill.

High demand for IT talents in Norway

According to the teacher, Angus Reith, the programme has increased the motivation of the students, and he has no doubt that the school has several future technology entrepreneurs in its ranks.

− The students have shown high motivation. Through goIT, they gained a deeper understanding of how a modern working life works, and we see how practical application is both an effective and engaging way of learning. For us adults, we have also learned to never underestimate the expertise of the students. These young people are no more than 11-14 years old but grew up in a digital society and are extremely creative. The solutions they presented on Friday were both innovative and socially relevant. Among them, there are several tech talents who can make their mark on the digital solutions of the future, says Reith.

There has been focus on the lack of IT expertise for years now. Skills and knowledge that will be particularly valuable in the workforce of the future and are in high demand throughout the Nordic region.

− The figures show that we need around 40,000 IT experts by 2030 in Norway alone. Through goIT and other initiatives, we hope to stimulate interest in STEM and digital transformation among young people, and thus reduce the skills gap, says Rajan Maheshwari, country manager for TCS Norway.

We also learn from the students

TCS has completed goIT since 2017 and tell us that the learning goes both ways.

− Even though we are the IT experts, these students show enormous creativity and talent. Combined with an innovative mindset and a good societal understanding, we at TCS also gain new insights and new ideas from them. The benefits of these three weeks go both ways, and it is incredibly rewarding, says Bikramjit Singh, one of TCS' volunteering IT experts who was clearly excited about the young people's skills.