Computer Science exposure for pre-u students at University Malaysia of Computer Science and Engineering (UniMy) Educamp 2013

It was an insightful experience into the world of computer science and engineering for 34 pre-university students recently when they participated in a three-day educational camp organized by University Malaysia of Computer Science and Engineering (UniMy) in collaboration with the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDec), at the UniMy campus in Cyberjaya.

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From Left to Right: Farid Shahmi, Kenny Ng and Channan Loh examining bucky balls at the nanoscience lecture at UniMy's EduCamp 2013[/caption]

The science and technology-focused enrichment camp saw a number of bright young minds including home-schooled 15 to 16 year olds delving into a series of diverse, exciting science-based activities, including a field trip, designed to enhance student creativity, knowledge and awareness of integrated, multidisciplinary and technology-enhanced science.

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UniMy lecturer Dr Teh Aun Shih (in black) in discussion with camp participants on Nanoscience[/caption]

The Camp highlighted three main areas of learning namely “Eco-Hiking + Broadcasting”, “Computer Science Insights” and “Nanoscience”. Muhammad Faizol Ahmad Ibrahim, Lecturer and Coordinator of the UniMy EduCamp said the focus of the programme was to encourage curiosity, experimentation and interest in computer science, nature and nanoscience through hands-on science and computer engineering-specific activities and projects whilst promoting integrity, teamwork and self-confidence in a fun, conducive environment.

Students partook in a half-day hike, approximately 1-2 miles round trip, through the multi-themed Botanical Gardens in Putrajaya and engaged in experiential activities that included observation, sensory experience, interpretation and comparative investigations of flora diversity as part of the "Eco-Hiking + Broadcasting" segment of the programme.

They undertook investigative fieldwork using smartphones, learnt about digital photography and explored the intricacies and fascinating world of science broadcasting by creating their own video and science news story using basic software editing tools and their own footage from the eco-hiking activity.

In "Computer Science Insights", students experienced how to implement and test solutions through a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) programming language and were guided to solve simple real world problems through a series of systematic steps. “The main purpose of having this basic training as part of the camp is to help students explore and develop their interest in programming,” said UniMy lecturer, Dr Ho Chuk Fong. Following the session, students were given a group assignment to design and create animations and games.

Under atomic-modelling and nanoscience, students were exposed to the science that deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller and learnt of its significance in creating a better, faster and more efficient world as evident in the many solutions to problems created by nanoscience applicable in areas such as forensics, energy and health and in every day products such as computers and smartphones.

“The camp was a great platform for the young students to try new things and indulge in games and activities they would otherwise not get to do in their own backyard. It was an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone, see things from a different perspective, work with others and build important life skills such as cooperation, tolerance, independence and confidence,” said Muhammad Faizol.

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Mohammad Amin Shafiee bin Abdullah, 18 holding the bucky ball structure at a lecture on Nanoscience in UniMy, Cyberjaya[/caption]

The camp was also an initiation of sorts and served to motivate students to prepare for entry into tertiary level computer science studies by allowing them to observe and experience science and engineering in action through relevant activities.

Home-schooled Channan Loh Zhou Ern, 15 of Petaling Jaya said he enjoyed learning about digital photography, animation and games development at the camp whilst Sabahan Juliette Emily Justine, 18 of S.M. St. Micheal, Penampang found the video-editing and eco-hiking activities fun and educational.

Mohammad Amin Shafiee Abdullah, 18 of MRSM Tun Ghafar Baba, Jasin, Melaka remarked he was amazed that the Buckminsterfullerene or “bucky ball” was discovered by Nobel Prize winners, Robert Curl, Harold Kroto and Richard Smalley and that intrigued scientists and industrialists are still researching practical applications for the molecules to this day.

He added that the EduCamp has further fueled his interest in computer science as computers and technology devices should generally be viewed as an extension of the human brain to do more.

For more information, contact UniMy at 03-8800 5000 or log on to www.unimy.edu.my / facebook.com/unimyofficial / twitter.com/unimyofficial.