The annual ‘Computing in Action’ Project Fair (1^st May, 2012), led by the Computer Science Department at Swansea University, and delivered by Software Alliance Wales and Technocamps, provides a unique opportunity for final year computing students to demonstrate their skills to industry and schools through their innovative research projects.

ITWales supports this event as it is organised through the Software Alliance Wales project with work opportunities encouraged through its Student Placement scheme. Additionally, young people are attracted to the fair via the Technocamps programme.

The day began with a Technocamps master class in game design involving over 50 young people aged 11-19 from across South Wales. Talks were also given by Dr Tom Crick, Leader of Computing at School in Wales, Dr Phil Legg, Researcher at Swansea University, and Rhian Hullin, Director of Waters Creative.

“ICT within the classroom can often be abstract. This project fair has helped bridge the gap between education and the real world,” said John Mineur, ICT teacher at Glyncoed Comprehensive in Ebbw Vale.

In the afternoon Computer Science undergraduates presented their projects to their lecturers and Technocamps students via posters, electronic displays and models. Projects were highly innovative and included systems to ensure elevator systems are safe and reliable to mobile technology that ensures shop managers keep on top of their own stock. Daniel Thomas, who won the schools presentation vote, said:

“Presenting our projects to the future generation really helped to inspire young people, and make them think about studying computer science."

In the evening, the highly skilled Computer Science students had a chance to showcase their projects to industry, which each year often leads to businesses offering job opportunities and placements, as well as the chance to work on specialised projects as part of the Software Alliance Wales programme.  Michael Nicholas, who won the best poster presentation from the industrial visitors, said:

“The project fair was a great way to showcase our undergraduate projects, the results of many months of work. Presenting to professionals from the IT sector is great practice for our transition into the jobs market, and at least three of my colleagues were offered interviews directly resulting from the contacts they made on the day.”

The Computer Science Fair at Swansea goes from strength to strength each year as it covers a range of agendas. Dr Matt Jones, Head of the Department of Computer Science, said:

"As a Department, we want every student to strive to explore how Computer Science can change the world. The final year project is a fantastic platform for every undergraduate to work closely with one of our experts on a subject they are excited about. The project fair each year is a wonderful celebration of the results of this intensive work - school children, local businesses and indeed our staff were treated to a tour de force of impressive, interesting and diverse scientific work during the day".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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