Meet Your Instructor: Ben Gervais
Strategic AI Architect, Systems Engineer & Tech Mentor
Canadian software developer and systems architect programming continuously since 2008. Dedicated to helping young learners (ages 6โ14) build real software, explore local AI, and master computing from first principles.
Building on Real Foundations, Not Fleeting Trends
Ben Gervais has been building with AI since 2017 and integrating Large Language Models in production since the OpenAI GPT-3 private beta in 2021. Based in Taiwan, he builds and operates physical Linux-based NVIDIA multi-GPU inference workstations, experiments with Apple MLX, and develops local offline models (Ollama, LM Studio). He approaches artificial intelligence not as marketing hype, but as real software pipelines and matrix math running on physical silicon that students can run, inspect, and understand.
He advises enterprises on autonomous AI architectures without breaking infrastructure, and builds data pipelines for biomedical computation. Over his career, he has served as technical founder and right-hand to CEOs through successful startup acquisitions, designing resilient high-concurrency systems and distributed backend architectures.
Teaching Philosophy
"Underneath the glossy interfaces, systems still rely on the same core computing principles. I've lived through the rapid churn of web frameworks to the current AI boom. I want young learners to build on immutable foundations, not just ride fleeting trends."
In an era where children are surrounded by closed app ecosystems and algorithmic feeds, Ben is passionate about demystifying technology. Rather than keeping kids trapped as passive consumers of video games and AI chatbots, he guides them into becoming confident builders who understand how code, memory, operating systems, and internet packets truly work.
Bonus Perk:Every enrolled student gets free full access to the dadaschool.com learning app!
Teaching My Son: How Dada School Began
Dada School didn't begin as a corporate business planโit started as a father wanting to give his own son a real understanding of how computers work. We began at the dining table and local cafes: building games in Scratch, assembling hardware and robotic arms, and exploring science museums together. Seeing my son's joy and quiet confidence grow every time he conquered a frustrating bug inspired me to offer that exact same dedicated, patient, side-by-side mentorship to other young learners.
Exploring science museums and space exhibits in matching NASA shirts โ curiosity always comes first.
Assembling custom robotic arms with servo motors, screwdrivers, and wiring โ understanding physical mechanics.
Posing with NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity โ fostering a genuine passion for science and engineering.
Traveling across Taiwan on the High Speed Rail in Titleist caps and Minecraft shirt โ learning is an adventure.
Building memories, confidence, and a lifelong bond through shared tech projects.
Hiking at the waterfall โ balancing deep screen focus with outdoor adventures, fresh air, and real-world curiosity.
How Computers Really Work
Software frameworks and trending tools come and go, but the core fundamentals of computing remain unchanged.
Underneath the glossy interfaces, systems still rely on the same core computing principles.
When young students understand memory, logic branches, and data structures, technology ceases to be an impenetrable black box. They develop the mental agility to learn any programming language or technology that comes next.
Understanding the Machine
We avoid rote memorization and copy-paste tutorials. Students explore how computers represent information, how logic gates process conditions, and how operating systems manage resources.
Guided Problem Solving
When code breaks, the instructor never grabs the keyboard. We guide students with thoughtful questions: "What did you expect this variable to hold?" and "What does this error message tell us?" Kids learn to fix issues on their own.
English with Mandarin Support
Classes are taught primarily in English to help students naturally build international tech vocabulary and confidence with official documentation. Whenever a student needs extra clarification, Mandarin assistance is always available so nobody feels stuck.
Our Four Classroom Pillars
Every session at DaDa Coding School is governed by four foundational commitments designed to guarantee deep comprehension, active engagement, and lasting self-reliance.
Small Group Focus
Small classes available, personalized pacing
Small classes available with a dedicated small group focus. Instructor Ben reviews every student's code in real time, answers questions immediately, and adjusts the pace so no one is left behind or bored.
Real Working Projects
Build real software from day one
No shallow drag-and-drop walled gardens that students outgrow in weeks. Kids write clean code, manipulate real files, and ship working software projects they proudly own.
Guided Problem Solving
Debugging builds confidence
Error messages are clues, not failures. We teach students how to read traceback logs, test assumptions, and experience the immense pride of saying, "I fixed it myself!"
No Black Boxes
Understanding memory, OS & AI
We demystify computing mechanics. Students understand what memory addresses are, how packets travel across networks, and how neural weights generate text inside local AI models.
8-Week Segments ยท In-Person & Online
Classes run in focused 8-week segments with one 1.5-hour class per week, plus independent practice materials and free dadaschool.com app access. Small classes available with a dedicated small group focus.
Hands-On Workstations in Taiwan
Dedicated individual workstations in Taiwan where each student has their own screen, keyboard, and physical hardware setup.
- โIndividual dual-monitor workstations with zero screen sharing or waiting
- โDedicated developer keyboards and comfortable, ergonomic learning setup
- โStructured 8-week course segments with 1.5 hours of weekly hands-on guidance
- โErgonomic student seating and low blue-light flicker-free displays
Real-Time Collaborative Coding
Live video conferencing with interactive screen shares and remote paired debugging sessions. Small classes available with a dedicated small group focus.
- โReal-time audio and high-resolution screen sharing for instant instructor guidance
- โCloud development environments accessible from any standard home computer
- โ8-week course segments (1.5 hrs/week) plus independent practice materials
- โFree full access to the dadaschool.com learning app with games and coding quests
Classroom Moments & Hands-On Learning
See what real technology education looks like. From hands-on hardware exploration to side-by-side debugging and small peer groups, our students learn with joy and deep focus.
Small Group Focus
Students code alongside peers matched by age and readiness in focused small groups.
Hardware & Systems Architecture
Demystifying computer components: GPUs, motherboards, memory, and power supplies on the workbench.
Side-by-Side Mentoring
Step-by-step guidance right next to the student, offering real-time feedback and patient debugging.
Peer Collaboration
Students learning and problem-solving together, sharing ideas and celebrating breakthroughs.
Register for Classes
Register for classes with Ben. We'll evaluate prior experience, understand your student's genuine technical curiosity, and identify the ideal small class placement.