In May 2017, computing students visited Manchester United Football Club’s Old Trafford Stadium to explore how the latest technology is helping them to stay ahead of the beautiful game.
They discovered how the football club is using computerised technology and data to support the business; gaining first-hand knowledge of how IT systems help it to make informed decisions about all ticket sales, turnstiles, as well as keep track on the marketing and player development.
Each year, our computing students visit GameCity – The National Videogame Arcade, based in Nottingham. In past visits, students have taken part in masterclass sessions, including creative and fun ways to interact with computers using everyday objects to replace keyboards and mice.
There are also opportunities to take a look at gaming through the ages.
Trips and activities beyond the classroom allow our students to understand the relevance of what they’re learning and helps them to see it in the context of the every day.
Students studying software development at the college took a visit to Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes; the scene of World War Two’s now-infamous code-breakers.
On the trip, students were able to learn more about the history surrounding the historic building and saw the world’s first semi-programmable electronic computer – the mark two Colossus – in action, before having a go on some of the earliest computers from throughout the ages.
Software development student Charlie Evans, 18, said: “It was really interested to discover how all the machines worked and to see how they’ve been rebuilt since the war.”
Developments in the computer science industry have been fast-growing throughout the 20th and 21st century.
Computer science students recent took a trip to Gamecity – Nottingham’s National Videogame Arcade – where they learned about the history and inner-workings of some of the industry’s best-loved games.
Students had the opportunity to learn new programming skills during their visit, which was specially-designed around their diploma.
They also took part in madcap activities that involved using fruit such as bananas to complete a circuit board, with the produce acting as an electrical conductor that enables it to become a games console controller or work as a computer keyboard.