AUS 17TH High School Computing Camp nurturing young talents

Within four rigorous days of theoretical learning and hands-on experimentation at the American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) 17th High School Computing Camp, 35 students from 24 schools from around the UAE were able to master the basics in cybersecurity and ethical hacking and try out actual cryptography techniques, create and format web pages, build a Local Area Network (LAN), use a simulator to code and control aspects of a smart home, develop a car parking tracking application and experiment with artificial intelligence (AI) models that could predict facial expressions, recognize sound commands, identify animal photos and interpret Sign Language.

Sponsored by Petrofac, the popular tri-annual camp held from July 10 to 13 had initially attracted 165 applications from 80 different UAE schools, out of which 35 eligible students in grades 10 to 12 were selected for the camp.

“The camp aims to provide students with a well-rounded introduction to computer science and engineering, demonstrating the diverse career paths and opportunities in the field. The camp does not only focus on developing the students’ technical knowledge but also their soft skills, which are essential for university life. This includes communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and time management,” said Dr. Imran Zualkernan, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

He added that computing is an important skill that is not limited to Computer Science or Engineering students and should be acquired by every university student. “Computing is at the core of innovation in today's world. It is a skill that will expand their critical thinking and logic,” he said.

Dr. Zualkernan also noted that careers in computing are rapidly growing, making computer science and engineering graduates in high demand worldwide and opening up entrepreneurial opportunities.

“The UAE’s innovation strategy is a case in point. It aims to position the country among the world's top leaders of innovation and to inspire experimentation to achieve the UAE Centennial 2071 goals. At AUS, we understand that our impact starts with students while they are still at school. This camp is an opportunity to nurture young minds, open doors to young talents and be active participants in the UAE’s innovation strategy,” he said.

The camp comprised eight sessions covering a wide spectrum of computing subjects, including programming and using Python, cybersecurity and the completion of the popular Capture the Flag competition, web development languages HTML and CSS and computer networks and devices. Students also learned about the applications of  Internet of Things (IoT), game development including designing their own games and understanding career options, the fundamentals of building mobile applications and AI and machine learning in robotics, medical diagnosis and generative and predictive AI.

Latifa Fahad Alharmoodi, a grade 11 student at Emirates National School, said that she is interested in pursuing a career in computer science and the computing camp was an opportunity to explore the many aspects of the field.

“The camp was a great way to get a head start and build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. It is always good to have practical experience to draw from when you're studying these subjects in university. The camp was a great way to spend my summer break, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in computer science and engineering,” she said.

Ghalia Alleem, a grade 13 student in Australian International School, said that she enrolled in the camp without any prior background knowledge in computer science.

“To me, this has always been an intriguing subject. I left the camp with a good understanding of its diverse aspects, and I am very grateful to have been part of this wonderful journey. I learned a lot, which I know will benefit me in my upcoming university years,” she said.

Saisha Bhirud, a grade 10 student at Delhi Private School, expressed her thanks to the AUS instructors. “I’ve learnt a lot from them. They were kind, nice and helpful in answering our questions,” she said.

Designed to meet the growing need for computer experts, AUS’ undergraduate degrees in computer science and computer engineering provide a strong foundation that enables students to capitalize on the increasing career opportunities in the information technology sector. AUS is ranked among the top four in the UAE and top ​450 universities globally for ​computer science and information systems, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (202​3​).

For more information, visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-computer-science-and-engineering.