Seminar on Computer Programming – 2003

Computer and Information Technology skills have now become dispensable for all students in their high school and in their career. The Seminar on Computer Programming for High School Students is an effort on the part of the ASGC to promote the importance of acquiring computer skills; help enhance their knowledge and understanding of various facets of computer learning; educate them on the range of professional and career opportunities available in the field; and, above all, afford them an opportunity to meet and learn from some of the successful professionals in the community. The seminar, a second in the series, which was held on September 27, 2003,was attended by over 40 students.

Mr. Chris Bradford, B. Sc., B. Ed., Head of Information Technology, Central Commerce Collegiate Institute, Toronto, in his keynote address outlined the importance the Ontario Government attaches to the teaching of computer skills to all students, and explained the various facilities available at schools for computer learning.

Professional guest speakers included, Thas Yuwaraj, Ph. D. (Toronto), who also functioned as the moderator, Mr. Ari Ravishankar, B. Math(Waterloo), Jadhu Nadarajah, M. Architecture (Dalhousie), Miss Sutha Laventhiran, B. Sc., (Toronto), Mr. Valavan Manohararajah, B. A. Sc. (Toronto) and a Ph. D. candidate, and Mr. Senthooran Kularjasingam, B. Math (Waterloo). The subject areas covered by the speakers included: basic skills required, and those which need to be developed by interested students to pursue a career in programming; different computer programming languages; different types and uses of computer programming products; and application of computer programming in different industries and in the field of scientific research, in general, and in the areas of automation, in biochemical medical fields including DNA analysis and treatment of HIV in particular; and in the development of robotics.

The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Ram C. Ramanathan, President, ASGC, followed by a brief presentation explaining the structure and objectives of the seminar by Dr. Theivendirarajah, Vice President, ASGC and the Co-ordinator of the program. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the ASGC Secretary Mr. Suren Balendran.