Students from across the UAE participate in popular AUS computing camp

The Eighth American University of Sharjah (AUS) Computing Camp proved to be a hit with high school students from across the country, who enjoyed learning and working remotely on various computing subjects for six days.

More than 200 high school students from 57 high schools applied to attend the camp, which is offered by the AUS Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). A shortlist process narrowed the number of participants down to 50 students from 23 schools studying in grades 10–12. Participating students were divided into two batches of 25 students each who worked with seven CSE lab instructors in parallel sessions every day.

Working online, the students learned about engineering design and innovation through fun activities and competitions. Students were engaged in a series of experiments and hands-on activities related to various topics in computer science and engineering, and developed skills necessary for their future university life.

Participant Aadil Chasmawala, a grade 11 student at Leaders Private School said, “My experience at the AUS summer camp was absolutely great! The camp provided me with insights into the basic fields of computer science. We learned about networking using Cisco, logic gates, Python programming, mobile app development, Internet of Things, machine learning and many other interesting topics. The teachers were all very helpful and also provided additional resources for further improvement and learning. I thank AUS and the camp teachers for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.”

The camp covered timely topics such as smart home development, which included programming Internet of Things devices and the basics of building a smart home; artificial intelligence and machine learning; developing mobile apps and games development; computer networks; and digital systems design.

“Each session taught me something new and interesting, and really helped me expand my knowledge on this vast subject,” said Ronak Mahesh, a grade 12 student at Al Diyafah High School. “The machine learning and mobile app development sessions were fun, engaging and interesting. Overall, I really loved the camp and it was a perfect addition to my summer break. A huge thank you to the entire CSE department at AUS!”

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at AUS said:

“It is heartwarming when you see high school students eager to learn more about the various areas of computer science and engineering. This is the first time we held the camp online, and the amount of interest generated has been great. The objective of holding this camp at the end of each academic semester is to provide students interested in this field of studies with essential life skills, expand their horizons, and introduce them to all that is new. I am very happy with the results and I look forward to holding more such camps.”