Why I Became a Data Carpenter…

For those not familiar with the Carpentries, it is a non-profit organisation that teaches foundational computer programming and data science to researchers via workshops. It has three main sections Data Carpentry, Software Carpentry and Library Carpentry each with distinct courses. For example, a course within Software Carpentry is Introduction to Python. All of these courses are available freely online, so I think a lot of people just teach from these courses and don’t go through the formal training. I was one of these people, but I received the opportunity to become a fully qualified Carpenter through the organisation. I decided to do it but, was apprehensive if the formal training was really worth the kerfuffle — and, it is. So to all the people (probably three) considering it, I thought I would explain as hindsight is a beautiful thing.

1. The training. I attended an online course over four evenings, where I learnt lots of skills from the theory of teaching to student engagement. I come from a background of tutoring so, had a little experience teaching. This really helped me critically improve myself as a teacher and communicator to individuals and to groups. The course itself had lots of practicing on peers with feedback sessions and constructive criticism. Also, the training itself is actually in an engaging format.
2. The community. You get to talk to other people who are just as enthusiastic as you are about python or science or teaching python to scientists. It means you can ask others questions about how to deliver Zoom courses and also improve the course itself using Git.
3. The opportunities. You get placed onto the AMY database which means you can sign up to teach or act as a helper in other institutions!
4. Investing. Cheesy as it sounds, it does help you really invest in yourself by improving your teaching skill set!

Despite all my propoganda there are some things to note before deciding to attend or sign up:

1. If you are a teacher. You might be already know all about what is covered in the training.
2. It is a time investment. Around 2 full working days for the training and then another day to qualify. So if you are time strapped-think twice about signing up!
3. The waitlist- sometimes it takes a while to become formally trained. It took around 6 months before I was called up.
4. It is not a get rich quick strategy!

~H