School students from across the UAE participate in AUS School Computing Competition

More than 60 students from 23 schools from around the UAE competed in the 2021 American University of Sharjah (AUS) School Computing Competition held online recently.

Organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management at AUS, the competition was for students from schools that are part of the AUS Sharakah program, an AUS community engagement initiative that fosters partnerships between the university and select schools from around the country. The competition gives students hands-on experience in computer science and engineering and promotes the future career options of these influential fields.

Students from grades 10 to 12 competed in four tracks: computer programming and Python programming for artificial intelligence following a hackathon structure, and mobile application development and Internet of Things and/or web applications in smart cities, where students had to build a demo and present their work. A team of judges from each track evaluated the students’ work.

“It was a valuable learning experience for the students as they worked in teams to solve programming problems and building applications. The students left the competition with a rich experience and a greater understanding of what computer science and engineering can offer as a field of study and as a career path. The competition not only enhanced the students’ understanding of the technical side of the work, but also built on their soft skills of communication and collaboration. Our aim at the end of the day is to encourage students to become innovators, analytical thinkers and problem solvers,” said Dr. Tamer Shanableh, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at AUS and a co-chair of the organizing committee.

The winners for each track were:

Track 1: Computer Programming

First place: GEMS Cambridge International School

Second place: GEMS Our Own Indian School

Third place: Al Salam Community School

Track 2: Python Programming for Artificial Intelligence

First place: Cambridge International School

Second place: Dubai College

Third place: Greenwood International School

Track 3: Mobile Application Development

First place: The Indian High School

Second place: Al Nada National School for Girls

Third Place: RAK American Academy

Track 4: Internet of Things and/or Web Applications in Smart Cities

First place: Bright Riders School

Second place: Sharjah American International School

Third place: RAK American Academy

Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of the Enrollment Management at AUS, spoke about how program benefits schools and their students: “The aim of the Sharakah Program is to consolidate mutual cooperation and engagement in programs with our partner schools and to provide students a first-hand experience with the university and an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills. We look forward to seeing more students and more schools participate in our events in the future.”

The AUS Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers bachelor of science degrees in computer science and computer engineering, as well as a master of science degree in computer engineering. The department boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, highly qualified faculty and a multicultural student body. Its curriculum focuses on the needs of the region's dynamic marketplace and is constantly evolving in view of any technological advancements that serve the UAE and wider world community. The department currently has around 730 students and more than 1,000 alumni. For more information, please visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-computer-science-and-engineering.

For more information on the Sharakah program and what it offers partner schools and their students, please visit www.aus.edu/sharakah.