Augusta University Hosts VICEROY Kids Camp Fostering Interest in Cyber and Robotic Sciences
Augusta University recently held its annual VICEROY Kids Camp from June 24-28. The camp directly aims to spark interest in children from the Greater Augusta area about the world of computer and cyber sciences. Celebrating its third successful year, the camp continues to be an exciting extension of the University’s college program, offering a variety of engaging lessons and activities. This year’s camp saw a participation of close to 50 students, from fourth grade to eighth grade.
The Learning Curve at VICEROY Kids Camp
Campers are encouraged to dive into cybersecurity, cyber ethics, basic programming, building electronics using micro:bits and a plethora of related topics. The camp’s Director and esteemed university professor, Michael Nowatkowski, remarked, “The students learn about password lengths and how they can protect their accounts online. We’re trying to get them accustomed to how to convert instructions for a computer to code.”
Coding and Computational Thinking through Micro:bits
Micro:bits, a favorite tool at the camp, expose students to computational thinking by programming them. The campers make serious strides towards their understanding of algorithm and working principles of computers. Interestingly micro:bits can be programmed into anything from a step counter to an alarm clock, depending on each camper’s skill level and interest.
Participative and Interactive Learning Process
The learning at VICEROY Kids Camp is extremely participative and interactive. This year participants were also taught to program different micro:bits to communicate with each other. This enabled them to control their micro:bits and even organize a mini racing competition.
Experienced counselor, Xavier Mitchell believes the learning at the camp is extremely relevant since it focuses largely on internet security. Mitchell observed, “Internet security is a very important skill to learn even if the person is not looking to enter into the field, because people get hacked a lot. It is essential to have that foresight to acknowledge the threat.”
The learning atmosphere and process is well appreciated by the campers as well. Mason Angllin, a rising sixth grader from A.R. Johnson Magnet School mentioned, “Without coding most computers, iPads and phones wouldn’t work, because there wouldn’t be anything to run them and they would just be a blank screen.”
An Essential Skill for the Future
Mason further expressed his keen interest in pursuing a job in the future that focuses on coding robots. He isn’t alone. The rising interest in computing, coding, and cybersecurity among campers may be indicative of future career trends.
Apart from the daily lessons, each camper takes home their very own micro:bit to continue learning on their own. At the end of the thrilling week of coding on Chromebooks and Robotics, all the campers are encouraged to continue improving their coding skills. This shows how valuable such skills will be, even for those who may not pursue a career in computer sciences.
