As part of the week, there was an evening event with two
guest speakers, followed by presentations from students of their work.
Tony Grey, Ara CE provided the welcome and opening of the
event. Dr. Bernard Otinpong, computing tutor/lecturer was the MC.
David Carter, Director of Stratos Technology Partners and
the chairperson of Canterbury Tech presented on ‘the future of ICT’. Provided two examples of the acceleration in adoption of innovations requiring high IT infrastructure and resources. One is the use of AI bots by Google to conduct conversations. The second is the
development of self-driving cars. Social impacts are often under-stated and
just these two technologies, will contribute to the world of the future. The
challenge for NZ, a small country, is to ensure we understand what is coming or
is already here, and to leverage of these. Provided an example of the smart use
of technology to support dairy industry – monitoring of cows across a year
provided sufficient data to predict time cows were ready for insemination and
how the time of insemination would determine the gender of the offspring. Tech
economy is low impact environmentally and Christchurch is well situated to contribute
(being second to Wellington in number of IT companies and employees) . Need to ensure there
are sufficient IT people to support the industry.
Teresa McCullum, Smart Cities project manager for the Christchurch City
Council presented on ‘Smart cities and the internet of things’. Set up the
context and rationale for the potentialities of IT careers in Christchurch.
Shared the CCC vision for becoming a smart city. Defined smart city and
internet of things (IoT). Updated on current work – open platform,
open data and open information – to facilitate the interaction between the many
‘internet of things’ points and remove barriers to the adoption of innovative
technologies. Exampled the way traffic flow is monitored and information is
provided to motorists, rubbish bin sensors and earthquake response sensors. Check smart city Christchurch website.
An interesting session followed as students presented their
work. Posters summarised their projects and students were available to answer
questions. Almost all of the projects, were focused on the themes brought up by the speakers. Many projects also produced proof of concept type apps or systems for local companies, including this cycle safety app for school children to generate a safe route on bike to school.
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