HackED Beta Description

HackED Beta is Alberta’s premier 24-hour, beginner-friendly hackathon, hosted by the Computer Engineering Club at the University of Alberta. Happening from November 9-10, 2024, HackED Beta invites students from across Canada to join a coding marathon designed to introduce newcomers to the world of hackathons in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Why HackED Beta?
HackED Beta is dedicated to empowering novice coders. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship, and project-building sessions, we simplify the hackathon experience for students who may be attending for the first time. HackED Beta is both an educational opportunity and a community event, where participants connect with like-minded peers, experienced mentors, and industry professionals. By the end of the event, participants leave with new skills, valuable connections, and greater confidence in their abilities.

What to Expect

• Beginner-Friendly Workshops: Develop foundational skills with beginner-focused workshops covering a variety of topics, from Git to robotics.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Get unstuck with the support of mentors
• Hybrid Format: Join in-person at the University of Alberta or virtually from anywhere, making HackED Beta accessible to all.

Event Schedule

• November 9, 2024

  • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Kickoff and Orientation, with coffee and muffins served
  • 11:00 AM: Coding Begins
  • 1:00 PM: Workshop – Intro to Git
  • 2:00 PM: Raspberry Pi Pico Tutorial, including a demonstration with a wheeled robot
  • 3:00 PM: DivE Workshop on Accessibility in Tech, hosted by Diversity in Engineering, focused on design principles and project ideas for accessibility, aimed at inspiring participants for the accessibility prize category
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Continue Coding, with a snack break
  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Break
  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Coding session with mentor support

• November 10, 2024

  • 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Optional Sleep Break
  • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Final Coding Push and Project Submission
  • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Project Presentations and Judging
  • 4:00 PM: Closing Ceremony and Awards

HackED Beta 2024 is a fantastic opportunity to create something new, learn from experts, and engage with Canada’s tech community. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to expand your skills, HackED Beta is the perfect place to start! Join us and be part of Alberta's most exciting hackathon experience for beginners.

• Innovation
  How original and creative is the project? Does it introduce new ideas or approaches to solving a problem?
• Technical Complexity
  How well does the project demonstrate technical skills? Was there a challenging technical component or innovative use of technology?
• Design and User Experience
  Is the project visually appealing and easy to use? Does it provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for users?
• Relevance
  How well does the project address a real-world problem or fit with the theme (i.e. hardware stream, coding stream etc)?
• Accessibility
  Does the project consider accessibility for diverse users? Are there features that make the project more inclusive and usable for people with disabilities? (Specific to DivE's prize category)
• Presentation and Communication
  How well is the project presented to the judges? Are the problem, solution, and approach clearly explained?