Artist chapter in forthcoming book

In a forthcoming (at the time of writing)  book Teaching Computing Unplugged in Primary Schools: Exploring primary computing through practical activities away from the computer, (eds, Helen Caldwell and Neil Smith), one of the chapters has been co-written by a member of the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton's Department of Computing (me, Scott Turner) and Katharine Childs from Code Club. Chapter 4 Artist's (appropriate for a member of the Faculty ) looks at using computing and computational thinking ideas to produce images on paper. 

Some examples of one of the activities in action  can be seen at unplugged activity - Thomas' Tangles.

The book comes out at the end of October 2016.




If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Mini Project: robot talks to UFO

CBiS Education generously sent me two of their new range of robotics development kits - Consumable Robotics (consumable-robotics.com) to try out. These are a range of cardboard based robotics kits (so far a robot named Dimm, and a UFO) with electronic components for example LEDs; sensors and buzzers,  depending on the kits. 

What makes the kits interesting though, is they are designed to be controlled by either a BBC Micro:bit or a CodeBug. In previous posts elsewhere (UFO has Landed and DIMM the OOD)  I started playing with the CBiSEducation's UFO and Dimm consumable robots separately. Still using the Micro:Bit, in this post, using Micropython to send messages between the two kits is considered.

Stage 1 Wiring and Set up-UFO
Pins 0 and 1, on the Micro:bit, are outputs to the LEDs
The black leads on the UFO go to GND.

Micropython and the use of  the Micro:Bit's built in radio module (Bluetooth) provides a route for communication between the two kits.



Stage 2 Code - UFO
The code is set to switch on and off the UFO's LEDs, followed by scrolling a message "DIMM Calling" when it receives a message "dimm" via Bluetooth. 

Basic overview is
- Turn on the radio module - radio.on()
- If the message is received then turn the LEDs on and off and send "DIMM calling"
- send a message via bluetooth "ufo" to whoever is listening (in the end the robot DIMM hopefully). The code is shown below. 

import radio
from microbit import pin0, pin1, display, sleep

def pulseLed1(duration):
   pin1.write_digital(0)
   pin0.write_digital(1)
   sleep(duration)
   
def pulseLed2(duration):
   pin1.write_digital(1)
   pin0.write_digital(0)
   sleep(duration)
   
def stopIt():
   pin0.write_digital(0)
   pin1.write_digital(0)

radio.on()

while True:
   incoming = radio.receive()
   stopIt()
   if incoming == 'dimm':   
      pulseLed1(1000)
      pulseLed2(1000)
      stopIt()
      radio.send("ufo")
      display.scroll("DIMM calling")

To use the radio module you will need to switch to the mu editor (http://codewith.mu/).

Stage 3 Testing it
To test it, a second Micro:bit was used to send test signals. The code for this is shown below. When button A is pressed on the second Micro:Bit a message 'dimm' is sent followed by sending 'not'.

import radio
from microbit import button_a, button_b, sleep

radio.on()

while True:
   if button_a.is_pressed():
       radio.send('dimm')
       radio.send('not')
       
   if button_b.is_pressed():
       radio.send('ufo')
       radio.send('not')

Testing does show the UFO does cycle through the sequence of LEDs flashes and the message scrolls. The slight bug is in repeats it several times before it stops; possibly a buffering issue somewhere.

 


Stage 5 Build

Now the focus moves to Dimm and the setting up the actions leading to the messages being passed.

Set-up is relatively easy. Using the Micro:bits port 0 (as part of the Dimm robot) for the input from the light sensor, which is included in the kit (Red lead going to 3v and the black lead going to GND), we now have light detecting ability . Just to note the less light there is the higher the value on the sensor.

Stage 6 Code
Micropython programmed through the Mu editor (see below)

If light levels are high then :
      scroll a message saying "calling UFO" 
      send the code "dimm" via bluetooth.
otherwise: 
      scroll a message saying "I can't see"
If it recieves "ufo" via bluetooth :
      display "Hello, UFO called me"

Micropython code
import radio
from microbit import pin0, pin1, display, sleep

radio.on()

while True:
   incoming = radio.receive()
   if incoming == 'ufo':  
      display.scroll("Hello, UFO called me", 75)
   if pin0.read_analog()<175: font="">
        display.scroll("calling UFO")
        radio.send("dimm")
   else:
        display.scroll("I can't see")

Stage 7 Testing

Video below shows it in action.

• When the light (in this case a torch) shines on the sensor connected to Dimm; a message is sent and picked up by the UFO kit (LEDs flash and the message saying "DIMM calling" scrolls  across the UFO LED array). A message is sent from the UFO kit and on Dimm's LED array scrolls the message "Hello, UFO called me").
• If the light levels are too low, then the message "I can't see" scrolls across Dimm's LED array.

All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any way be seen as reflecting the views of any organisation the Author has any association with. Twitter @scottturneruon

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton goto: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Capturing student voice: peer-to-peer forum for student engagement on transnational programmes.

Dravid, R., Bates, J. and Sinclair, J. M. (2015) Capturing student voice: developing a peer-to-peer forum for student engagement on transnational programmes. Paper presented to: 5th Quacquarelli Symonds Middle East and North Africa Professional Leaders in Education (QS-MAPLE) Conference and Exhibition, Doha, Qatar, 05-07 May 2015. 

Abstract

Hearing and responding to the student voice is a crucial element of modern quality assurance and enhancement in higher education. While on-campus students use formal and informal tutor interactions to give and receive feedback, engaging students studying offsite on transnational partnerships with formal feedback mechanisms is challenging due to distance and cultural differences.
The case study is about facilitating a peer-to-peer support mechanism for enhancing engagement amongst on-campus students and those based on transnational partner programme in Nepal to encourage students on partnership programme to articulate their voices and offer constructive feedback. It is envisaged that creating the peer-supported forum that is student-led and facilitated will help students to develop confidence in expressing opinions about their studies and assume the role of partners and co-inquirers in the learning process. Such learning partnerships are imperative for students to engage effectively, independently and critically in contemporary society.



If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Computing Publication 2016 - September update

1. Abbas, R., Al-Sherbaz, A., Bennecer, A. and Picton, P. (2016) Development of scheduling process for the M2M communications system in smart cites. Panel Presentation presented to: School of Science and Technology Annual Research Conference, Newton Building, The University of Northampton, 02 March 2016. (Unpublished)
2. Abbas, R., Al-Sherbaz, A., Bennecer, A. and Picton, P. (2016) Scheduling process for the M2M communications system in smart cites. Seminar Presentation presented to: The University of Northampton Graduate School Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Conference 2016, Northampton, 14 June 2016.
3. Ajit, S. and Dodds, J. (2016) Student perceptions of automated marking and feedback system in computing. Poster presented to:Higher Education Academy Annual STEM Conference 2016: Inspire to Succeed: Transforming Teaching and Learning in STEM, East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, 28-29 January 2016.
4. Al Barrak, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Kanakis, T. and Crockett, R. G. M. (2016) Utilisation of multipath phenomenon to improve the performance of BCH and RS codes. In: 8th Computer Science & Electronic Engineering Conference. New York: IEEE. (Accepted)
5. Al-Dabbagh, M., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Turner, S. J. (2016) Development [of] a real-time ITS using VANETs: a case study for Northampton Town. In: SAI Intelligent Systems Conference 2016. IEEE. (Accepted)
6. Al-Rubaye, Z. (2016) Lameness detection in sheep through behavioural sensor data analysis. Poster presented to: Graduate School 11th Annual Poster Competition, The University of Northampton, 18 May 2016. (Unpublished)
7. Al-Rubaye, Z., Al-Sherbaz, A., McCormick, W. D. and Turner, S. J. (2016) Lameness detection in sheep through the analysis of the wireless sensor data. Workshop presented to: The University of Northampton Graduate School Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Conference 2016, Northampton, 14 June 2016.
8. Al-Rubaye, Z., Al-Sherbaz, A., McCormick, W. D. and Turner, S. J. (2016) The use of multivariable wireless sensor data to early detect lameness in sheep. Workshop presented to: School of Science and Technology Annual Research Conference, Newton Building, The University of Northampton, 02 March 2016. (Unpublished)
9. Al-Sadi, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Turner, S. J. and Xue, J. (2016) The management of distributed software defined networks in smart cities. Workshop presented to: School of Science and Technology Annual Research Conference, Newton Building, The University of Northampton, 02 March 2016. (Unpublished)
10. Al-Sadi, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Xue, J. and Turner, S. J. (2016) Routing algorithm optimization for Software Defined Network WAN.In: Al-Sadeq International Conference on Multidisciplinary in IT and Communication Science and Applications (AIC-MITCSA) - IRAQ (9-10) May. Baghdad, Iraq: IEEE. (Accepted)
11. Cui, M. H., Knox, D., Opoku Agyeman, M. and MacDonald, R. (2016) Role of music in clinical acupuncture: a cross cultural investigation. In: International Conference on New Music Concepts (ICNMC 2017). Milan, Italy: ABEditore. (Accepted)
12. Cui, M. H., Michael, O. A., MacDonald, R. and Knox, D. (2016) A cross-cultural exploration of music in history: language, health and art implications. In: International Conference on New Music Concepts (ICNMC 2017). Milan, Italy: ABEditore. (Accepted)
13. Cui, M. H., Opoku Agyeman, M. and Knox, D. (2016) A cross-cultural study of music in history. International Journal of Culture and History. 2(2) 2382-6177. (Accepted)
14. Edan, N. M., Turner, S. J., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Ajit, S. (2016) Performance evaluation of QoS using SIP & IAX2 VVoIP protocols with CODECS. In: SAI Computing Conference 2016. London: IEEE. 9781467384605. (Accepted)
15. Hendrix, M., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Victoria, B. (2016) Game based cyber security training: are serious games suitable for cyber security training? International Journal of Serious Games. 3(1), pp. 53-61. 2384-8766.
16. Hill, G. (2016) Review of a problems-first approach to first year undergraduate programming. In: Wu, B. and Kassel, S. (eds.)Software Engineering Education Going Agile: 11th China-Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE 2015). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. 9783319291659. pp. 73-80.
17. Maghdi, H., Al-Sherbaz, A., Aljawad, N. and Lami, I. A. (2016) UNILS: Unconstrained Indoors Localization Scheme based on cooperative smartphones networking with onboard inertial, Bluetooth and GNSS devices. In: Proceedings of IEEE/ION PLANS 2016. Savannah, Georgia, USA: IEEE. 9781509020423. pp. 129-136.
18. Mu, M., Broadbent, M., Farshad, A., Hart, N., Hutchison, D., Ni, Q. and Race, N. (2016) A scalable user fairness model for adaptive video streaming over SDN-assisted future networks. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications. 0733-8716.
19. Mu, M., Simpson, S., Stokking, H. and Race, N. (2016) QoE-aware inter-stream synchronization in open N-screens cloud. In:Consumer Communications and Networking (CCNC), 2016 13th Annual IEEE. Las Vegas: IEEE. 2331-9860. (In Press)
20. Niamut, O., Mu, M., Denazis, S. and Race, N. (2016) Social telemedia: the relationship between social information and networked media. IEEE Computer Magazine. 49(5), pp. 92-97. 0018-9162.
21. Oakes, J., Johnson, M., Xue, J. and Turner, S. J. (2016) Simplified deployment of virtual machines using an intelligent design engine. In: Proceedings of Science and Information (SAI) Conference 2016. London: IEEE. 9781467384605. (Accepted)
22. Olajubu, O., Ajit, S., Johnson, M., Turner, S. J., Thomson, S. and Edwards, M. (2016) A textual language for requirement modelling. Workshop presented to: School of Science and Technology Annual Research Conference, Newton Building, The University of Northampton, 02 March 2016.
23. Opoku Agyeman, M., Tong, K. and Mak, T. (2016) An improved wireless communication fabric for performance aware network-on-chip architectures. International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems. 5(2), pp. 161-171. 2210-142X.
24. Opoku Agyeman, M., Vien, Q.-T., Ahmadinia, A., Yakovlev, A., Tong, K.-F. and Mak, T. (2016) A resilient 2-D waveguide communication fabric for hybrid wired-wireless NoC design. IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems. 1045-9219. (Accepted)
25. Opoku Agyeman, M., Vien, Q.-T. and Mak, T. (2016) An analytical channel model for emerging wireless Networks-on-Chip. In:IEEE/IFIP International Conference on Embedded and Ubiquitous Computing (EUC 2016). France: IEEE Computer Society. (Accepted)
26. Rose, T. J. and Bakaoukas, A. G. (2016) Algorithms and approaches for procedural terrain generation. In: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Virtual Worlds and Games for Serious Applications. Barcelona, Spain: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. (Accepted)
27. Sani, Y., Mu, M., Mauthe, A. and Edwards, C. (2016) A Bio-inspired HTTP-based adaptive streaming player. In: 2016 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME 2016). Seattle, USA: IEEE. (Accepted)
28. Turner, S. J. (2016) Enhancing computing student employability skills through partnership working in STEM outreach. In: Wu, B.and Kassel, S. (eds.) Software Engineering Education Going Agile: 11th China-Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE 2015). Cham: Springer International Publishing. 9783319291659. pp. 67-71.
29. Turner, S. J. (2016) Python junkbot. Poster presented to: Python Conference (PyCon) UK 2016, Cardiff, 15-19 September 2016.
30. Wen, Z. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2016) On improving the performance of hybrid wired-wireless Network-on-Chip architectures.In: International Workshop on Network on Chip Architectures (NoCArc 2016). New York: ACM. (Accepted)
31. Zong, W., Wang, L., Xu, Q. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2016) SlideAcross: a low-latency adaptive router for chip multi-processor.In: Proceedings of Euromicro DSD/SEAA 2016. Cyprus: IEEE. (Accepted)

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Python Junkbot - PyCon UK 2016

Poster to be present at PyCon UK 2016

Pyconuk16 junkbots from Scott Turner

For more details on the three builds:

• Raspberry Pi based: http://bit.ly/2c87qex
• Basic Micro:Bit build: http://bit.ly/2cmJo0B
• Radio Control Micro:Bit Junkbot: http://bit.ly/2cMHpDa

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

On improving the performance of hybrid wired-wireless Network-on-Chip architectures

Wen, Z. and Opoku Agyeman, M. (2016) 
On improving the performance of hybrid wired-wireless Network-on-Chip architectures. 
In: International Workshop on Network on Chip Architectures (NoCArc 2016). New York: ACM. 

Abstract
Recently, hybrid wired-wireless Network-on-Chip (WiNoC) have been proposed to meet the performance and scalability demands of modern System-on-Chip (SoC) design. However, due to the presence of wirelines with multi-hop nodes in the hybrid architecture, WiNoCs have reduced performance efficiency. In this paper, we propose a low-complexity single-cycle bypassing mechanism to alleviate the performance degradation in such emerging hybrid NoCs. The proposed router employs both dimension-ordered routing (DoR) and a deadlock free adaptive routing to transmit flits at low-loads and high traffic loads, respectively, to efficiently balance traffic in WiNoCs. By reducing the latency between the wired nodes and the wireless nodes, the proposed router can improve performance efficiency in terms of average packet delay by an average of 50% in WiNoCs.


To read more go to: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/8728/

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

6th form student works with University on app for pet owners

Taken from: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/sixth-form-student-app-for-pet-owners/

A new ground-breaking pet care app is being developed by a sixth form student through the University of Northampton and Moulton College, in collaboration with the Pet Industry Federation (PIF),which will help new pet owners ensure they have the right level pet care knowledge when they take on the responsibility of a pet.

The UK is a nation of pet lovers; an estimated 46% of households have a pet, and the pet population stands at around 58 million animals. Fish, dogs and cats are the most commonly owned creatures, but more unusual pets like slow lorises, Pygmy hedgehogs and miniature pigs are crawling, burrowing and walking their way into the nation’s homes.

Whatever the pet, it is important that potential pet owners get advice on which animal is most suitable for their lifestyle. Whilst this advice can certainly be provided by their local pet store or vet, a budding computer programmer from Irthlingborough has been working on an app which will soon enhance the information out there and allow pet owners to access high quality information about potential pets prior to purchase.

Calum Patton, a student at Huxlow Science College, has been awarded a Nuffield Research Placement which offers sixth formers the chance to work on university research projects during the summer.  Calum is a budding computer programmer, and he has been working with the University of Northampton and Moulton College on the project. Calum has designed an app which tests users’ knowledge on caring for a variety of pets, in a fun and simple quiz format.  Calum’s work has been ably supervised by the University of Northampton’s Dr Scott Turner and Wanda McCormick at Moulton College.

Dr Scott Turner, Deputy Head of Computing, explained: “It’s still early days: the app is currently only available on the Android operating system, but the design is essentially there. By working with Calum and the Pet Industry Federation we hope to develop the app further and make it more widely available.”

Calum said: “The placement has been excellent as I have been able to design and test the application, figure out problems and take into account what a customer would expect from the app.”

Vicky Skinner, Education Manager at PIF, commented:  “This app should provide potential owners with key information on their chosen animal and allow them to make a more informed choice before they purchase a new pet, therefore helping to prevent abandoned, unwanted or neglected animals”.

To find out more about the University of Northampton andMoulton College’s courses, visit the respective websites. Nuffield Research Placements provide over 1,000 students each year with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

BCS Bedford Event: Fortran, alive and well at 59!

 ' Fortran, alive and well at 59! ' 

                        Speaker: Peter Crouch | Chairman, BCS Fortran Specialist Group

Followed by Branch AGM

Tuesday, 20^th September 2016

6.30-8.00pm

(Registration starts at 6:00pm)

Tavistock Suite

The Park Inn Hotel, 2 St Mary's Street,

Bedford MK42 0AR

(Free Parking at the rear – Inform Hotel Reception)

The talk will cover the history of Fortran from its inception in the 1950s to today, including its evolution through the standardisation of the language from the 1960s through to the 2010s and the Fortran Specialist Group's role in the UK and internationally in that evolution from 1970 to today. Some of the features of modern Fortran will be described together with examples of its current applications, including weather forecasting and climate prediction, computational chemistry and the design and maintenance of high performance cars and aircraft.

 Register online at: https://events.bcs.org/book/2170/ 

Peter Crouch joined the D and R Laboratory of International Nickel in Birmingham in 1968 to work on the technology of nickel electrodeposition after completing his PhD in inorganic coordination chemistry at the University of Reading.

His involvement with computing began in the late 1970s when he started using early personal computers for the statistical analysis of his experimental results.  Initially he used BASIC and Pascal but in the early 1980s he began to use Fortran.

In 1985 he was offered the opportunity to work full time as a software developer on the computer aided design and manufacturing systems of Inco Engineered Products.  He worked as a Fortran, and later C, programmer until 2001.

In the early 1990s he joined the BCS and later the Birmingham Branch committee.  He became Chairman of the branch in 1997.In the late 1990s he had joined the Fortran SG committee as Web Editor and became Chairman in 2002, within days of stepping down as Chairman of the Birmingham Branch!

Agenda

6.00pm                        Registration, refreshments and networking

6.30pm                        Guest Speaker – Peter Crouch

7.20pm                        Opportunity to question the speaker

7.45pm                        Opportunity to network and talk to the speaker

8.00pm                        Bedford Branch AGM 2016 – Everyone is welcome to attend 

 All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

29th September 2016 - Northampton BCS AGM

29th September 2016 - Northampton BCS AGM

Location: Room NW205 of The Newton Building at The University of Northampton, Avenue Campus, St Georges Avenue, Northampton, NN2 6JB 7pm

Agenda

* AGM

* Election of Officers

* Briefing regarding proposed training events on a Tuesday night

Want to join the Committee?
A general member is a good way to start
However if you have previous experience you may be interested in one of the other posts.
Take a look at the various posts and requirements, and if you are interested please get in touch with the Northampton Group.
Roles for Committee Members
The following two mandatory roles must be filled by two separate individuals. All other roles and suggested activities, may be shared amongst committee members as they see fit. The activities suggested for non-mandatory roles are indicative only.

MANDATORY ROLES
Chair
 Must be a professional member of BCS (MBCS/FBCS)
 Responsible for the supervision of all matters concerning the effective leadership of the Member Group.
 Chairs all general (AGMs and EGMs) and committee meetings.
 Prepares the Chair’s Report for each AGM.
 Ensures the formulation of strategies for the committee and implements appropriate actions to achieve the strategic goals.

Treasurer
 Must be a professional member of BCS (MBCS/FBCS)
 Prepares annual budget and potential project funding each year.
 Responsibility to the Member Group Committee for the Member Group funds and any other appropriate financial business.
 Reports at fixed intervals to Member Group Committee.
 Submits income and expenditure statements produced by BCS Finance for the AGM.
 Deals with payments and receipts to and from operational budget and liaises with BCS Swindon necessary.
 Notifies, through Member Groups Team (groups@bcs.uk), any forecast overspend together with (a) circumstances leading to this position and (b) proposed action plan to resolve the situation.

At least 3 other (General) Committee members. (Can carry out some of the roles listed below.)
 Helps runs the group generally.
 Deputise for other officers as required.
 Particularly required for helping to establish the season’s programme.

RECOMMENDED ROLES
The following roles are covered by the committee, whether by an individual or shared alongside another role.

Secretary
 Gives due notice of all general meetings (AGMs and EGMs) to all group members.
 Gives due notice of committee vacancies to all group members.
 Arranges suitable locations for committee meetings.
 Prepares and issues agenda for all general meetings and committee meetings.
 Records the minutes of all general meetings and committee meetings Sends a digital copy of each set of approved minutes to the Member Groups Team on groups@bcs.uk.
 Handles correspondence between Member Groups Team and the Member Group.
 Maintains committee address list, via the Member Groups Team on groups@bcs.uk.

Membership Secretary
 Must be a professional member of BCS (MBCS/FBCS)
 Welcomes new members and distributes information on forthcoming events and other introductory information.
 Encourages individuals who have enquired about membership to join.
 Co-ordinates the recruitment of IT professionals at Member Group events and through other methods, using member data provided on the group committee secure area
 Records attendance numbers at events and sends numbers through to the Member Groups Team on groups@bcs.uk
 Co-ordinates a list of non-member attendees.
 Maintains a database of key contacts to facilitate the distribution of publicity material and other information.
 Must comply with BCS Data Protection Guidelines.

Email Coordinator
 Acts as a focal point to distribute emails to Member Group members (e.g. notifying them of forthcoming events) using the BCS List Server facility.
 Can be asked to send emails to own group members by other groups.
 Distributes information regularly to an established network of contacts.

Webmaster
 Non-CMS: Creates and maintains the group website, liaising with BCS Web Team (webteamcms@hq.bcs.org.uk) over the various methods.
 Non-CMS: Either posts content to the website or provides access to committee members to post their own content.
 CMS sites: Sends through to BCS Web Team (webteamcms@hq.bcs.org.uk) amendments for the Member Group website.
 The Webmaster may also facilitate the use of other online channels for publishing events – such as social media, discussion forums – or the Member Group may have a separate ‘Social Media Officer’ to do this.

Publicity Officer
 Ensures maximum coverage of group events, both before and after they occur.
 Writes copy for media on Member Group activities.
 Ensures all Group events are included in the BCS Diary.
 Liaises with local press and radio.
 Organise mail shots, programme cards, posters, etc.

Young Professional Group (YPG) Representative
 Liaises between the Member Group Committee and the YPG Executive Committee, as well as representing the views of young professionals within the Member Group.

 Arranges and publicises YPG events, provides details of special offers and YPG projects.
 Creates local Student chapters within local universities.
 Attends YPG Congress on behalf of the Member Group Committee.
 Liaises with other Member Group YPG Representatives.
Events Coordinator / Programme Card Coordinator
 Puts the season’s event programme together
 Makes administrative and logistical arrangements for the events, including venue, catering etc. using the BCS Events Booking System where appropriate.
OTHER OPTIONAL ROLES
The following roles are optional.

Education Liaison Officer
 Corresponds with universities, colleges and schools, with a possibility to set up Student Prizes in the area.
 Organises suitable events to represent the BCS in local schools and colleges, such as careers evenings, or attends those organised by local schools and Careers Offices.

Disability Support Officer
 Acts as a focus for local initiatives and actions where the use IT is to the benefit of disabled people.
 Identifies and organises events to increase the awareness and understanding of the IT industry towards the needs of the disabled.

Industry Liaison Officer
 Liaises with local companies and any local representative bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce
 Liaises with local public sector bodies and other organisations such as charities, in order to promote the BCS and professionalism in IT, particularly as it relates to the local context and the branch.
 Promotes Member Group activities and encourages suggestions for events; facilitating BCS membership enquiries and assisting with awareness of BCS products and services.

Social Media Officer
 Engages with members, potential members and other organisations and groups using social media.
 Uses social media to advertise events.


If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Matthew takes control of robot research project

Taken from: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/matthew-takes-control-of-robot-research-project/

A sixth-form student has spent the summer at the University of Northampton investigating the possibility of controlling DIY robots with a computer half the size of a credit card.

Matthew Hole, who attends Wrenn Academy in Wellingborough, has been awarded a Nuffield Research Placement – a scheme which offers sixth formers the chance to work on university research projects during the summer.

During his time at the University, Matthew used a BBC micro:bit computer  to control a junkbot – a robot made from junk, such as a drinks can, powered by a kit.

Junkbots have previously been controlled by a Raspberry Pi computer, but the University’s Associate Professor in Computing and Immersive Technologies, Dr Scott Turner, saw the potential to harness the micro:bit.

“The micro:bit has been given away free to every Year 7 pupil in the UK, so it made sense to investigate how well it could control a junkbot.

“Matthew worked incredibly hard on the research project, overcoming several problems, and was successful in harnessing the micro:bit to control a junkbot.

“He used his experience to produce an action pack, which will be available for schools to refer to so that pupils can learn how to control a junkbot with the micro:bit – so Matthew’s research has the potential to benefit thousands of young people across the UK and beyond.”

Matthew said: “The project has definitely helped me to develop my problem solving skills: I’ve learnt how to break projects down into small pieces and work on them methodically, which has been really useful,” said Matthew, who has received a bursary to carry out his work.

“To be able to work on an action pack that will be available for schools to use is also a fantastic thing to have on my CV.”

To learn more about the junkbots project contact: scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk


If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with