Tinker X

An Open, Self-Directed Programme for Learning Coding and Making

Tinker X is an open, self-directed learning programme for coding and engineering enrichment, blending instruction and independent study. We give you the tools you need to learn, and support you as you learn, whether that’s following a curriculum from us or online, or working on a self-initiated project.

Future-proofing ourselves in an Industry 4.0 world requires taking initiative and risks to develop competencies such as critical and inventive thinking, grit and problem solving skills. A self-directed programme facilitates that.

Our centre is open for consultation hours on Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Come by to get individualised expert instruction, guidance, and mentorship. Our makerspace, with a 3D printer, laser cutter, circuit printer, electronics library and various kits, is also available for use.

Contact us to get started!

What’s Included in Tinker X

In addition to attentive guidance and mentorship, we provide:

Extensive Curriculum

Extensive Curriculum

We provide a wide range of course materials: intro coding, Arduino, data science, games programming. We’ve run these courses with hundreds of students, and they’re all available to members.

We also tap on high-quality online content and can recommend content that is most suited for your current needs, and provide support whenever needed.

Maker Library

Maker Library

Don’t have the space (or you’re just too sensible) to put a laser cutter at home? No problem. We have the equipment you need to make and tinker: a reference library of books and electronics modules, laser cutter, vacuum former, 3D printer, circuit printer, soldering station, miter saw, and more.

We also have a library of kits and robots you can tinker with: Arduino CTC 101 toolbox, Hummingbird kit, Pi-Top, Turing Tumble, Marty the Robot, drones, littleBits kits, Sphero, Dash, and more.

Community

Community

It can get lonely learning on your own. Even if you do not talk to anyone else here at Tinker X, it is still inspirational and motivational to join a community of like-minded people who just want to see what happens when you connect this to that and spend hours tinkering with code and electronics.

We love to see people learn and grow. To that end, we offer scholarships to enthusiastic and passionate young students, so that they can contribute back to the community with their new skills and knowledge. See below for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a curriculum?

Not in the traditional classroom sense. Think flipped classroom. You are not going to be sitting passively in a classroom listening to a teacher. Instead, we will develop and recommend activities based on your personal interests and goals. This could be learning material we’ve developed. It could be a MOOC on Coursera or edX: why reinvent the wheel, right? Or it could be a project you just want to get done, and we’ll figure out what you need to pick up to complete the project with just-in-time learning: now that is authentic problem-based learning.

As you go through the material on your own, we are ready to answer your questions. We will check in on your progress. We might suggest extensions or further challenges to stretch your learning. And we will encourage you to reflect on your learning.

What can I choose to learn?

Members choose their own domains with our guidance. Here are a few examples of what they are exploring:

  • Minecraft Modding in Python
  • AP Computer Science
  • GCE O Levels Computing
  • App Development in App Inventor
  • Data Science with Numpy, Pandas and Matplotlib
  • Animation in Processing
  • Android App Development in Android Studio
  • Arduino, ESP8266 and various IoT technologies

We can guide you in picking up mobile app development, web development, game development, machine learning, computer science principles, and more. We are strongest in Python, Java, Javascript, Ruby, C and Swift. We wouldn’t be of much help in R, Haskell, Rust and Go. If you know programming languages, you get the gist 🙂

Is this suitable for my my child?

It really depends on the individual. If your child needs to be pushed to learn, then this programme is not for them. Our programme requires self-directed learners who take responsibility for their own learning, are open to learning, and are proactive in asking for help when they need it.

Am I too old for your program?

Never! Our mix of members leans heavier towards students, but we welcome adult lifelong learners too. It’s never too late to pick up coding.

Try us out with a free trial session, then continue with individual sessions. One session includes:

  • Our open learning space on Saturdays, 10am – 4pm, to get in-person instruction, guidance, and mentorship while self-studying
  • Maker equipment and a library of electronic modules that can be loaned to participants to build projects
  • Course materials that have been tried-and-tested in the courses we teach at schools and large companies
  • A community to network with and to discuss ideas

Sign up for our packages for savings and get online support between sessions.

TINKER X SCHOLARS

Scholarship Opportunity for Students Who Demonstrate Passion for Technology

Tinkercademy X Scholarships

Computer science and technology studies have been treated mostly as enrichment, leading to inequity in access.

In an effort to play our part in making technology education more equitable and accessible, we are offering Tinker X scholarships for students. The scholarships will come in the form of highly subsidised membership to students who demonstrate passion for technology but are unable to access expert help, mentors or tools on their own.

To apply for these scholarships, students should submit a portfolio of their past tech-related work. We are looking for effort and passion, rather than results. Students would also need to demonstrate financial need.

In return, our Tinker X scholars will give back to the community.

If this sounds like something you or someone you know would be interested in, please contact us at [email protected] for more information or to apply. We are accepting applications now!