CodEng

13/05/2026

“AI art can feel like a mixed bag of everyone else’s work.”

That was one of the most thoughtful comments from a student during our AI class at Scuole Manfredini Liceo Artistico in Varese.

Using iPads and ChatGPT’s image generation tools, the students experimented with creating photorealistic architectural concepts, from interiors and courtyards to futuristic buildings.

The aim was simple: let them try the tools for themselves, see what worked, notice what didn’t, and start forming their own opinions.

We also discussed copyright, bias, unrealistic details, and the fact that AI-generated images are visual concepts, not technical drawings.

I finished with one question:

L’AI sostituisce la creatività o la amplifica?

The class was torn. Some felt AI can amplify creativity. Others strongly preferred human creativity, with all its originality, intention and imperfection.

For me, that is where real AI literacy begins: hands-on experimentation, critical judgement and honest discussion about what these tools can, and cannot, do.

Well done to all and thank you to the teachers at the school for inviting me to speak.

13/05/2026

https://www.varesenews.it/2026/05/campi-estivi-stem-codeng-varese-2026-coding-ai-robotica-e-inglese-per-ragazzi-dai-7-ai-17-anni/2574172/

Ultimi posti per i Campi Estivi STEM di CodEng alla Scuola Manfredini: tre settimane per bambini e ragazzi tra coding, robotica, intelligenza artificiale e nuove tecnologie. Attività pratiche e creative e nessuna esperienza richiesta

06/05/2026

It's Europe Day at the European School this Friday, May 8th! 🇪🇺 🎉

Drop by the CodEng stand to say "hi", demo some tech and find out about our summer STEM camps in Varese this summer!

See you there! 😃👋

23/04/2026

Nuova newsletter CodEng appena uscita!

Dalla straordinaria esperienza STEM in Cina ai nostri prossimi summer camp alla Scuole Manfredini

Dai un’occhiata qui sotto 👇

21/04/2026

CodEng in the news! Check it out!

Un gruppo di studenti del Keynes di Gazzada, del Ferraris, dello Stein e della Scuola Europea ha partecipato a un viaggi organizzato da Derval O’Neill del CodEng di Varese, nella metropoli simbolo dell’innovazione globale. Ecco il loro racconto

15/04/2026

I’m delighted to be volunteering again this year as a Section Leader for Stanford University’s Code in Place. It will be my fifth year.

Why do I do it?

For me, it’s a no-brainer. As an educator, I have the opportunity to learn from world-class computer science teachers and bring those insights directly into my classes at CodEng.

It’s also a lot of fun. Next week, I’ll meet my new section: 10 to 15 adult learners from all over the world. The energy is always incredibly positive, and there’s something special about being part of such a global learning experience.

After each class, Section Leaders connect on the teaching forum to compare notes and share experiences. We learn from one another, and we learn from the professors and teaching assistants at Stanford, who prepare us for each session.

The results are impressive. For a large-scale online course with thousands of participants, 50 to 60 percent of students complete the programme each year and earn a certificate. That’s around ten times higher than the typical completion rate for online courses. Much of this success comes down to the weekly human connection students experience through live sessions with their Section Leader.

Another bonus as a Section Leader is the opportunity to nominate two applicants for automatic acceptance onto the course. It’s wonderful to be able to offer this opportunity to two CodEng students, who are often parents who are keen to learn Python themselves.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

12/04/2026

It was a week of full immersion in one of the world’s most advanced tech ecosystems. The video in the comments tells our story.

From robotics labs and AI universities to PCB manufacturing and drone innovation, our CodEng students experienced firsthand how technology is designed, built, and deployed at scale across Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

This camp brought together learning, exploration, and real-world exposure to cutting-edge industries shaping the future.

What we experienced:

Day 0 – Arrival in Shenzhen, Huaqiangbei Electronics Market - buy Arduino kits and learn to negotiate a good price. Experience the incredible Shenzhen Light Show.

Day 1 - First Arduino session and visit to the Science & Technology Museum to explore innovation, design, and future tech

Day 2 – Second Arduino session and PCB Factory Visit - Inside the manufacturing of modern electronics.

Day 3 - Mainland China to Hong Kong - Border crossing & visit to Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Visit to AI and Robotics Lab and 3D printing lab. We also visited the Che Kung Temple who was known as a protector and bringer of good fortune.

Day 4 – DJI Drone Flagship Store and Driverless car experience with PonyAI

Day 5 - Shenzhen University - campus tour and Chinese art class

Day 5 - BYD and new Flash Charging System

Day 5 - Shenzhen Technology University - tour of the School of Artificial Intelligence, robomaster demo, drone demo and Unitree robotics.

Day 6 – Final Arduino Presentations and awarding of STEM camp certificates and Drone delivery experience

A huge thank you to all the organisations and partners who welcomed our students and gave them insight into real-world innovation.

Proud of our coders for their curiosity and engagement throughout the week.

CodEng will be back.

09/04/2026

Robotics brings people together 🤖

Amazing to see students connect with their Chinese peers at Technology University during our first camp in the region.

From humanoids to robots, drones, and AI-powered systems, students got a front-row seat to world-class innovation in action.

Huge thanks to the team for the warm welcome and an unforgettable experience!

07/04/2026

It’s not every day that CodEng students get a glimpse into university life in the heart of Shenzhen. We’re very grateful to Shenzhen University for the guided tour, which included an overview of academic pathways, a hands-on Chinese painting session, and a shared meal in the student canteen.

05/04/2026

CodEng students give us their feedback on our Shenzhen and Hong Kong STEM camp

04/04/2026