MidiDigi - Innovation Space - Spring 2025
The aim and purpose of the MidiDigi activities is to inspire your curiosity about physical computing, electronics, website development, Open Source software, free learning, and problem solving ‘hacking’.
It is not just classroom based learning, of which there is some (obviously), but the main aim is you getting your hands on equipment, making things yourself, exploring the basics of computer code, and developing your digital computer skills.
Topics being covered include the use of Raspberry Pi and Ardiuino Microcontrollers, open source software, online learning and real world problem solving through a Hackathon – see below.
We will be doing short bursts of 4-weeks on each topic to spark your curiosity, and hopefully to develop this into an ongoing community of digital learning, problem solving and innovative digital creativity.
20 weeks of free digital skills training
Digital Skills Modules - Quick Links
Electronics & Computing
An introduction to electronics, physical computing, programming and innovation with Raspberry Pi single board computers and Arduino Microcontrollers.
Web Development
An introduction to website development and creating lean online business startups
Open Source & Free stuff
An introduction to Open Source, free stuff, online learning and finding and using applications to develop in demand rare and valuable skills.
Hackathon Challenge
Hackathon - Where we agree on a real world issue that needs addressing, solving, and work in teams, or team, using Agile practices to implement the best solution.
Mystery week
We have reserved these sessions to be a mystery and journey of discovery for those who have attended the previous sessions. We're excited to see what comes up.
Introduction to basic electronics and computing
Starting Thursday 30th January – 1pm – 3pm
Curious to find out more?
Watch the intro video.
Week 1
Introductions from Paul Woodhead our lead tutor, and a journey of a thousand miles.
Setting the scene about the development of computer science, blockages, basic computing, and the development of skills and innovation.
The beginnings of the Raspberry Pi, and basic computer components.
Week 1 - Practical
Week 1 – getting your hands on a Raspberry Pi and creating your first circuits using LED’s.
Week 2
Week 2 develops our learning journey starting with an introduction to the Arduino boards, and how to create single use code and features.
We use beginner friendly tactile learning, and explore some starter features including watching the ‘100 seconds of video’ about Arduino circuit boards and programming.
Everything is created by someone, so we consider the Internet of Things, everything is connected everywhere, and start to think about a real world problem we’d like to solve using these simple computing tools.
Week 3 - Prototyping
Week 3 was all about prototyping and ideation (creating something, reflecting on what you’ve done, refining it and trying again). Basically this is a way of testing and trying something and then working to improve it.
This session also looks at identifying things we’d like to do and turning them into a development project.
We will share ideas, chose a few that we’d like to take forward, and then in small teams we will work on the problem and develop its solutions.
The video below gives us some background thoughts about processes you can use to develop a project and turn it into a prototype.
Week 4 - Making
Week 4 was all about making, and bringing the project ideas to life.
During the making there were practical problems to solve, adaptions to make, ideas to refine, all part of the process of bringing an idea to life.
The video below is reflective of the journey from the last 4 weeks, and it gives some background thoughts about processes used to develop a project and turn it into a prototype.
We explored monitoring plants to prevent overwatering and checking on their health, a heat detector/thermocouple project, and an RFID door locking system – Well done everyone!
Introduction to Website development and start-ups
Resources and information coming Soon…
Introduction to Open Source and Free stuff
Starts Thursday 27th March
The power of Open Source
Have you heard of the phrase ‘Open Source’?
The phrase Open Source refers to something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible.
It’s often used in connection with software or resources that are free to use and open for people to contribute to, making them better or more effective.
If you interested in learning about Free Stuff, free software, free online learning, etc – then the next 4 MidiDigi sessions held on a Thursday afternoon at the Lighthouse Project are just what you need.
More below
Unlock Your Potential with Open Source – Join Our FREE 8-Hour Course! Click below to register!
Are you ready to level up your skills, grow your network, and open doors to new career opportunities—for free?
Join our exclusive 8-hour introduction to Open Source training, suitable for beginners, and for developers, tech enthusiasts, and career changers who want to master Open Source collaboration, gain real-world experience, and supercharge your CV. Don’t miss it.
Format
How Long: 4 interactive sessions (2 hours each)
Cost: £0 – Completely Free! including the refreshments :-)
Who is it for? Anyone eager to learn about what’s out there, and to grow in Open Source!
Why Should You Attend?
Build Practical Skills – Learn how Open Source works, from contributing to real-world projects to mastering version control and collaboration tools like Git and GitHub.
Boost Your Career – Open Source experience makes your resume stand out! Companies value real-world contributions more than just degrees.
Expand Your Network – Connect with like-minded professionals, mentors, and potential employers in the global Open Source community.
Work on Live Projects – Gain hands-on experience that you can showcase in your portfolio.
Future-Proof Your Career – Open Source is shaping the tech industry. Learning now gives you a competitive edge.
What you’ll learn
What You’ll Learn
Session 1: Understanding Open Source – The philosophy, key platforms, and how to get started. Session 2: Hands-on Git & GitHub – Version control mastery and making your first contribution. Session 3: Community & Collaboration – How to find projects, communicate effectively, and grow your influence. Session 4: Career Pathways in Open Source – How Open Source can help you land jobs, freelance gigs, and even start your own projects.
Secure your spot today!
Secure Your Spot Today!
This is a one-time opportunity to gain highly valuable skills for free! Whether you’re looking to break into tech, switch careers, or enhance your expertise, this course is your gateway to success.
Spots are limited! Don’t miss out—register now and take the first step toward your Open Source journey.
[Register using the button below]
Got questions? Reach out to us at info@lighthouwseproject.org.uk or visit – https://www.lighthouseproject.org.uk/mididigi-innovation-space/.
See you in the course! Your Open Source adventure starts now
Got questions? Reach out to us at info@lighthouwseproject.org.uk or visit the Lighthouse Project MidiDigi page
See you in the course! Your Open Source adventure starts now
Hackathon - problem solving in teams
Coming Soon…