The Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently recognised five groups of students from President’s College, Kotte, who created coded, real world applications in miniature form, after following a foundation course in computer programming supported by the Bank. This programme was conducted in collaboration with the STEMUP Educational Foundation which also hosted a coding competition as part of the course.
The winning groups were awarded first to fifth places for their innovations: a fire-proof rover which can send video feedback and temperature information from fire accident sites; a smart fish tank that self cleans and feeds fish; an electricity saving app for homes that controls electrical equipment via a mobile phone; a shutter system that protects solar panels from acid rain when it occurs, and an automated system for watering plants by gauging the dryness of the soil.
The course which made these innovations a possibility was conducted with the help of BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized codeable computer with motion detection, a built-in compass and Bluetooth technology, which allows students to express themselves digitally. A similar project was previously conducted by Commercial Bank for students of Rajasinghe Vidyalaya, Hanwella.