DIT School of Computing News http://www.comp.dit.ie/ An RSS news feed from the DIT School of Computing en-uk DIT School of Computing Bryan Duggan bryan.duggan@comp.dit.ie Directions to the games design workshops http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=79 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:13:58 +0000 <p> The <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=117">one day games design workshops</a> with Ernest Adams will take place on 21 November. </p> <p> The workshops will take place in room 5050 in DIT's <a href="http://www.dit.ie/DIT/about/localcommunity/#3">Aungier St</a> campus. The workshops will begin at 10am sharp, so please try to be there by 9:30am. Below is a google map, to help you find the venue. You can also take a bus from the city centre. Bus numbers 16, 16a, 19, 19a and 83 pass by the college.</p> <p>There are graduations taking place in Aungier St those days, so when you come in the main entrance, turn left past cafe Java and take the lift to the fifth floor. </p> <p>Please make sure you have had a parent/guardian/teacher fill out <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/Microsoft%20Word%20&#002d;%20DIT%20Computer%20Games%20Design%20Workshop.pdf">this release form</a> and bring it with you on the day. </p> <p> <iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DIT+Aungier+St&hl=en&ei=5s8CS9C4L92zONaR9cAK&sll=54.046489,&#002d;6.262207&sspn=5.594046,16.907959&ie=UTF8&view=map&cid=8938912137419613831&ved=0CAsQpQY&hq=DIT+Aungier+St&hnear=&ll=53.33842,&#002d;6.266327&spn=0.004484,0.00912&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DIT+Aungier+St&hl=en&ei=5s8CS9C4L92zONaR9cAK&sll=54.046489,&#002d;6.262207&sspn=5.594046,16.907959&ie=UTF8&view=map&cid=8938912137419613831&ved=0CAsQpQY&hq=DIT+Aungier+St&hnear=&ll=53.33842,&#002d;6.266327&spn=0.004484,0.00912&z=16&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text&#002d;align:left">View Larger Map</a></small> </p> <p>Looking forward to meeting you all!</p> Announcing the fourth annual games design workshops for second level students http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=117 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:18:17 +0000 <p><b>Like computer games?</b></p><p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=79">Directions to the workshops!</a></p><p>The School of Computing has announced that the fourth annual one day workshop on computer game design for second level students will take place on <b>Saturday 21st November</b>. Over 900 students have participated in these workshops over the past three years.</p><p><a href="register.php">Online registration now open!</a><p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/Poster09C.jpg">Download the poster!</a><p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=82">Pictures from the 2008 workshops.</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=41">Pictures from 2007 workshops.</a></p> <p>The workshops which are sponsored by the <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie">DIT</a>, <a href="http://www.ics.ie">The Irish Computer Society</a> and <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie">Microsoft Ireland</a> is hosted by games industry guru <a href="http://www.designersnotebook.com/Home_Page/home_page.htm">Ernest Adams</a>. Ernest Adams is a veteran freelance game designer, writer, and teacher, working with the International Hobo Group. He has been in the game industry since 1989, and is the author of three books. Ernest is also the founder and first chairman of the International Game Developers' Association. </p><p>This is a day&#002d;long exploration of the basics of the craft of game design, covering core mechanics, gameplay, user interface design, concept art, level design, and even a small story. It begins with a lecture, then challenges you to apply what you've learned to flesh out a new game design concept. The classes will then be divided the into teams and each team will work on a different game idea. At the end of the day, you'll present your results to the group and we'll discuss how they came out. Everything is supplied and there are no pre&#002d;requisites, all you need is a love of games!</p><p>Participation in the the day is FREE (but space is limited so apply early) and all participations will receive lunch and a DIT tee&#002d;shirt. You can also win <b>XBOX 360's</b> and games on the day!</p><p><p><a href="register.php">Register online</a> or contact Hugh McAtamney for group bookings</p><p><a href="mailto:hmcatamney@comp.dit.ie">hmcatamney@comp.dit.ie</a></p><p>Phone: + 353 1 4023282</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.chooseit.ie"><img border="0" src="http://www.comp.dit.ie/cgames/images/chooseit_logo_small.gif"></a> <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie"><img border="0" src="images/xbox&#002d;360&#002d;logo.jpg"></a></p> Photos from the Windows 7 launch event http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=116 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:54:33 +0100 A big thanks to all the volunteers who helped out at last weeks hugely successful launch of Windows 7:<br><br>Ian Breen<br>Petru Bumbar<br>Nikola Nevin<br>Ian Connolly<br>Brian Doyle<br>Zhengshuai Lin<br>Dan Miao<br>Andrew Banister<br>Jonny Murphy<br>Adam Drakeford<br>Jamie Comeford<br>Keith Ellman<br>Sean Hannon<br>Neil Donegan<br>Brendan Marsh<br>Hugh O'Higgins<br>Miarianno Di Murro<br>Conor Hynes<br>Stephen O'Hara<br>Derek Browne<br>Zachary Davidson<br>Andrew O'Loughlan<br>Declan Fox<br>Alison Quinn<br>Frank Han<br>Ottis Kelleghan<br>Whaldo Hall<br>Darragh Leahy<br><br><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter500/Windows7Launch#">Photos of the event</a><br><br>The event was attended by over 1000 IT pros and home users in addition to the 300+ students who attended the exclusive student session. School of Computing Award Winners 2008/2009 http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=115 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:46:47 +0100 The following awards for the graduating class of 2008/2009 were presented on <br><span>October 17th 2009:</span><br><br><span>EBS Award  &#002d; David Beaney</span><br><span>School of Computing Award &#002d; Michael O'Sullivan</span><br><span>Cisco Award &#002d;  Adrian Rath</span><br>SAS Award &#002d;  Helmut Huber<br><br>Photos are available at:<br><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DITSchoolofComputing/SchoolOfComputingAwards20082009#">http://picasaweb.google.com/DITSchoolofComputing/SchoolOfComputingAwards20082009#</a><br><br><span>The following awards will be presented at a later date:</span><br><br><span>Damovo Award &#002d; John Barrett</span><br><span>IBM Award  &#002d; John Barrett</span><br><span>Jacinta O'Boyce Gold Medal &#002d; Msury Mahunnah</span> Machine Annotation of Traditional Irish Dance Music http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=114 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:46:00 +0100 Staff member, Dr. Bryan Duggan's book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Machine&#002d;Annotation&#002d;Traditional&#002d;Irish&#002d;Dance/dp/1449521894/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255560374&sr=8&#002d;1">Machine Annotation of Traditional Irish Dance Music</a>" is now avaiable on Amazon.com. His book details his efforts to solve the problem faced by musicians and ethnomusicologists in identifying tunes from recordings given the huge diversity in the canon of traditional Irish dance tunes. His approach is to develop a Content Based Music Information Retrieval (CBMIR) system adapted to the characteristics of traditional Irish dance music. 2009 DT228/3 Robot Challenge Video Online Now http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=113 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:47:02 +0100 <span style="font&#002d;family: Arial, sans&#002d;serif; font&#002d;size: 10px; line&#002d;height: normal; white&#002d;space: pre; ">A video of the 2009 DT228/3 Robot Challenge is now <br><span> </span>available to view on YouTube at the following link:<br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C58Ol3ZTYpA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C58Ol3ZTYpA</a></span> Software firm set to create 120 jobs http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=111 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:33:05 +0100 Security software producer McAfee is set to create 120 new jobs in an expansion that will be announced today.<br><br><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0923/breaking5.htm">Full story</a> OSSBarCamp Saturday 19th 2009 &#002d; Photos http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=110 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:48:42 +0100 The School of Computing hosted the OSSBarcamp on Sat 19th September. The OSSBarcamp allows diverse open source communities to get together and share their knowledge and experience of using a range of open source products. Talks at this bar camp covered diverse topics including Apache CouchDB, Gnome 3.0, OpenSolaris, iPython, Open StreetMaps, Perl and FLOSS.<br><br><span> </span><br><span>The full schedule is available at :</span><br><a href="http://www.ossbarcamp.com/schedule/">http://www.ossbarcamp.com/schedule/</a><br><br><span>Photos of the event are available at :</span><br><br><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DITSchoolofComputing/OssBarCampSept2009#">http://picasaweb.google.com/DITSchoolofComputing/OssBarCampSept2009#</a> School of Computing to host Dublin Windows 7 Launch &#002d; Register now! http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=109 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:46:39 +0100 The DIT School of Computing, with our partners in Microsoft is very proud to be hosting the OFFICIAL Dublin launch event for Windows 7!<br><br><strong>Thursday 15 October @ 10am in the Gleeson Theatre.</strong><br><br>Join us at the Windows 7 Technical Community Launch and be part of Windows history! Windows 7 is launching all over the world in the coming weeks and Microsoft Ireland are offering DIT students a chance to see the operating system in action. R2 of the already successful Windows Server 2008 is also being released &#002d; you will learn about the enhanced power of this server platform, along with the added benefits of running the server OS with Windows 7.<br><br>Breaking away from a traditional technology launch event, Microsoft technical experts will bring you through a 'Day in the Life' demo experience, highlighting key Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 scenarios. Registration is ESSENTIAL for this exciting event!<br><br>Spot prizes and tee&#002d;shirts will be <span style="text&#002d;decoration: none;">presented. Volunteers are also needed for the three events being hosted in DIT that day. If you are interested in volunteering, please <a href="mailto://bryan.duggan@dit.ie">contact Bryan Duggan</a>.<br><br></span><a href="http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032425903&Culture=en&#002d;IE">Register here</a>.<span style="font&#002d;size: 8.5pt; line&#002d;height: 140%;" verdana="" ,="" sans&#002d;serif="" ;=""><br> </span> Laptops for students scheme launched http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=108 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:38:02 +0100 <!&#002d;&#002d;[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN&#002d;IE</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X&#002d;NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]&#002d;&#002d;><!&#002d;&#002d;[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso&#002d;style&#002d;name:"Table Normal"; mso&#002d;tstyle&#002d;rowband&#002d;size:0; mso&#002d;tstyle&#002d;colband&#002d;size:0; mso&#002d;style&#002d;noshow:yes; mso&#002d;style&#002d;priority:99; mso&#002d;style&#002d;qformat:yes; mso&#002d;style&#002d;parent:""; mso&#002d;padding&#002d;alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso&#002d;para&#002d;margin:0cm; mso&#002d;para&#002d;margin&#002d;bottom:.0001pt; mso&#002d;pagination:widow&#002d;orphan; font&#002d;size:11.0pt; font&#002d;family:"Calibri","sans&#002d;serif"; mso&#002d;ascii&#002d;font&#002d;family:Calibri; mso&#002d;ascii&#002d;theme&#002d;font:minor&#002d;latin; mso&#002d;fareast&#002d;font&#002d;family:"Times New Roman"; mso&#002d;fareast&#002d;theme&#002d;font:minor&#002d;fareast; mso&#002d;hansi&#002d;font&#002d;family:Calibri; mso&#002d;hansi&#002d;theme&#002d;font:minor&#002d;latin; mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;family:"Times New Roman"; mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;theme&#002d;font:minor&#002d;bidi;} </style> <![endif]&#002d;&#002d;>From Michael Lynch of <a href="http://laptops4students.ie">laptops4students.ie</a>:<br>To coincide with the start of another academic year we are delighted to announce the launch of the Laptops4Students Programme 2009 offering high quality, low&#002d;cost student laptop computer and software packages. The Laptops4Students programme provides a laptop ideally suited to student needs, helping to improve learning and providing a better overall college experience.<o:p><br></o:p>The Laptops4Students programme provides students with an affordable business&#002d;class laptop that includes everything you need in one convenient bundle. The initiative is supported by Intel, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and Bank of Ireland and endorsed by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).<span></span><br>Each laptop bundle includes:<o:p><br></o:p><ul><li>Business Class HP Laptop</li><li>Windows XP Pro operating system</li><li>Microsoft Office Professional 2007</li><li>McAfee Anti&#002d;virus</li><li>Backpack Carry Case</li><li>4GB Memory Key</li><li>3 Year HP warranty</li></ul>Students can also choose to spread the cost of their laptop over 12 months – with payments from just €66 per month via a preferential student loan from Bank of Ireland.<o:p><br></o:p>Further information can be got by calling the Laptops4Students team on 01 8091500 or emailing <a href="mailto:info@laptops4students.ie">info@laptops4students.ie</a> or by visiting the website &#002d; <a href="http://www.laptops4students.ie">www.laptops4students.ie</a> MSc in Digital Games now accepting applications http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=107 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:40:51 +0100 <p>Applications are now being accepted for the new MSc in Digital Games staring in September 2009</p><p>For more information on the course see the <a href="http://www.dit.ie/study/postgraduate/browse/programmes/title,23812,en.html">course homepage</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dit.ie/study/postgraduate/howtoapply/">To apply for all post graduate courses in the School of Computing</a>.</p><p>To make an enquiry please fill out <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=88">this form</a>.</p><p>Digital games comprise a large and fast&#002d;growing part of the global entertainment industry. This new Masters programme will prepare graduates to become innovators in this exciting field. It provides a multi&#002d;disciplinary and well&#002d;rounded education in game conception, design and manufacture,uniquely building on the combined expertise of the Digital Media Centre, andthe Schools of Media and Computer Science.</p><p>This full&#002d;time programme will provide modules in game design, programming, project management and cultural analysis. The modular structure of the course will cater for varying levels of experience in each area. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating skills through group projects. It will appeal to graduates from diverse undergraduate and work experiences, including the visual and media arts, and computer science.</p> tunepal.org gets a mention in the Irish Times http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=105 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:45:38 +0100 <a href="http://tunepal.org">tunepal.org</a> is a query&#002d;by&#002d;playing search engine for traditional Irish dance tunes developed by School of Computing lecturer Dr Bryan Duggan in collaboration with the <a href="http://www.audioresearchgroup.com/">Audio Research Group</a>. For musicians who have ever wondered about the name of a tune, they can simply play a phrase from the tune into the search engine, and it will search for a match within its database. The search engine, which has a database 11,555 traditional tunes, was developed out of research carried out towards Bryan's recently completed <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/PhD.pdf">PhD</a> on "Machine Annotation of Traditional Irish Dance Tunes".<br><br>Hosted by the School of Computing, the website has received extremely favourable reaction from the traditional music community as evidenced by <a href="http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/22114/comments#comment459368">this discussion</a> from <a href="http://thesession.org">thesession.org</a> &#002d; a popular forum for traditional musicians. One musician noted that he "tried several more well&#002d;known tunes, with good results. It's very forgiving of minor mistakes, but gets confused if you swing the rhythm too much". Another remarked that tunepal.org worked well with both obscure and well&#002d;known tunes.<br><br>For more information see:<br><ul><li><a href="http://tunepal.org">tunepal.org</a></li><li><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/music/index.php">Ríomhclar Ceol</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2009/0801/1224251814244.html">Siobhan Long's article on tunepal.org in the Irish Times<br></a></li></ul> Teaching Fellows Awards 2008&#002d;2009 http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=104 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:48:12 +0100 The School of Computing was one of eight Schools to obtain a Teaching Fellowship award given by by the DIT Faculty Heads of Learning Development. The School of Computing project concerns the improvement of engagement and retention of part&#002d;time postgraduate students through the use of student edited podcasts and the development of a methodology for the creation of podcasts.<br><br><a href="http://www.dit.ie/lttc/projects/facultyprojects/teachingfellowships/">More information here</a>. Two DIT students short&#002d;listed for Accenture Innovation in Computing Cross&#002d;University Award http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=103 Fri, 29 May 2009 18:12:00 +0100 Congratulations to Nitin Dhawan and Duan Li who have been short&#002d;listed for the<br>Accenture Innocation in Computing Cross&#002d;University Award.<br>Both projects are in the area of visualisation of social networks and further details are given below.<br><br>The students will present to a panel from Accenture on June 3rd 2009 where they will be competing with students from education institutes across Ireland for an award of €2000.<br><span style="border&#002d;collapse: collapse; font&#002d;family: 'times new roman'; font&#002d;size: 16px; line&#002d;height: normal; "><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;font&#002d;family: Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB">Nitin Dhawan  Visualisation of a Social Network – last.fm</span></strong><span style="color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;US"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;weight:normal"><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB">Abstract:</span></strong><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language: EN&#002d;GB"> This project investigates the use of dynamic data visualisations in the realm of a </span><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size: 12.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB">socio networking site – last.fm. Last.fm is a socio networking site, which generates a musical profile of the user. It generates a list of songs, artists and bands that the user has been listening too, by directly uploading/scrobbling the tracks to the user</span><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size:12.0pt;font&#002d;family:" lucida="" sans="" unicode";="" color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:en&#002d;gb"="">‟</span><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size: 10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size:12.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language: EN&#002d;GB">s online profile. This project explores the concept of relativity and relationships; how one object is related to another to develop a data and information visualisation enriched with principles of creative design and art, to not only visualise vast quantities of data but to develop valuable data representations that address the emotional experience of users. This benefits the user cognitively, enabling them to explore the various types of data in more depth as opposed to the normal metrics of textual form. </span><span><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;font&#002d;family: Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB">The applications developed are available at <a href="http://static.rumforyou.com/ilasttv/APP2V2" style="cursor:text">http://static.rumforyou.com/ilasttv/APP2V2</a> and <a href="http://static.rumforyou.com/ilasttv/TESTING_APP2" style="cursor:text">http://static.rumforyou.com/ilasttv/TESTING_APP2</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size: 12.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size: 12.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB">Duan Li            Visualisation Mapping of Social Networking</span></strong><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="color:black; mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size: 12.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB">Abstract:</span></strong><span lang="EN&#002d;GB" style="font&#002d;size:10.0pt;mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size:12.0pt;font&#002d;family:Arial; color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;GB"> Currently, there are many kinds of online social network services (SNS) in the internet, such as facebook and bebo. The aim of this project is to develop a interesting application that can be used to visualis personal social relationships in SNS. The application will support all of popular SNSs of the world, for instance, facebook, bebo and myspace. Moreover, users can add this application for free in their SNS account. Users can also request different relationship layout displays through the user interface.     </span><span style="font&#002d;size:8.0pt; mso&#002d;bidi&#002d;font&#002d;size:12.0pt;color:black;mso&#002d;ansi&#002d;language:EN&#002d;US"> </span></p></span> DIT School of Computing Questionnaire http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=102 Fri, 08 May 2009 10:19:52 +0100 <span style="font&#002d;weight: bold;"><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&pli=1&formkey=cE1CVExvUDREVlYzU3pMZ2xSemNaVXc6MA..">>> Click here to complete the questionnaire <<</a></span><br><span> </span><br><span> </span>Please help us to improve our computer services by completing this online survey. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and your response will be treated as private and confidential.<br><br>If you supply a staff/student number, on completion of the survey you will automatically be entered into a draw for an Apple iPod before the end of the semester. Only one submission per person is allowed.<br><br>This survey is designed to review the current IT infrastructure services and to seek feedback on additional requirements. This survey is limited by the scope of the IT infrastructure working group and does not cover central IT services , resource administration, or other services outside the direct control  of the School of Computing.<br><br>A summary of some of the key findings will be published after they are reviewed and will be taken as input into the strategic review for the School.<br><br>Mandatory questions are marked with an (*). Some questions may not be relevant to everyone and so are not mandatory.<br><br>Thank you for participating!!! Announcing the first School of Computing Makers Fair! http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=100 Fri, 01 May 2009 20:29:12 +0100 Are you a Computing student with an <strong>interesting </strong>and <strong>innovative </strong>project? Would you like an opportunity to showcase your work to invited representatives from the <strong>IT industry in Ireland</strong>? Then come and present your work at the first DIT School of Computing <strong>Makers Fair!</strong> This event will take place on <strong>Wednesday 3rd June</strong>, between 6pm&#002d;8pm in the Gleeson Theatre. <br><br>To participate,  please <strong><a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cmcyclBwYkF6b0l6ejhZWG9fS2t5UkE6MA..">register online</a> before Friday 29th May</strong>. Bring your own hardware and software. We will provide power and a wireless Internet network. <br><br>This event is open to <strong>all School of Computing students</strong>, but in particular if you are a <strong>final year student</strong>, you need to be at this <strong>important event</strong>. You will get to present your work to <strong>potential employers </strong>and get an opportunity to see and experience <strong>cutting edge </strong>computer science projects developed by your classmates. <br><br>For <strong>undergraduate students</strong>, come along and get some ideas about future projects areas and technologies.<br><br>We will also host a number of <strong>guest speakers</strong> on the topic of <strong>creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship</strong>. Check back on <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie">comp.dit.ie</a> for more details as we confirm the speakers. Register now for the XNA Prize giving on Wednesday 6Th May http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=99 Fri, 01 May 2009 16:16:05 +0100 If you are planning on attending the XNA Ireland prize giving next<br>Wednesday 6th May, please fill out this form. I need to gat all names before 12pm on Tuesday as name tags need to be printed up:<br><br><a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cjZqOU90bk81RnRnTjQybThQVlVtR0E6MA..">http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cjZqOU90bk81RnRnTjQybThQVlVtR0E6MA..</a><br><br>There will be demos and spot prizes. We will meet at the Stephens Green<br>Luas @ 10am on Wednesday to go to Sandiford and be back for lunc Google reaffirms its commitment to Ireland http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=98 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:34:34 +0100 <p class="first"><strong>Google is committed to keeping its European base in Dublin, one of the internet search engine's most senior executives has said.</strong> </p><p>The company employs more than 1,500 in the city running its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. </p>The full story:<br><br><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8020913.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8020913.stm</a> RTE Report on Computing Courses and Employment Opportunities in Ireland http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=97 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:05:42 +0100 <p>A very interesting RTE Report on computing courses and employment opportunities in Ireland</p> <p> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTjAu03V9pY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTjAu03V9pY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> </p> Big Fish Games to create 100 jobs in Cork http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=96 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:24:10 +0100 <p>Big Fish Games, a Seattle&#002d;based online games company is to create almost 100 new jobs in Cork.</p> <p>The company employs around 350 people to develop games for computers and mobile phones.</p> <p>Big Fish Games is expected to open its European Headquarters at Mahon in Cork city where it expects to hire 100 people over the next three years.</p><p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2009/0410/1224244363690.html">Full story from the Irish Times<br></a></p><p><a href="http://www.rte.ie/business/2009/0409/jobs.html">Full story from RTE<br></a></p><p><a href="http://www.bigfishgames.com/">Big fish games website</a></p> OSSBarCamp March 28th 2009 http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=95 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:35:24 +0000 The School of Computing will host OSSBarCamp on Saturday March 28th 2009.<br>The event is a one day informal conference on Open Source Software offering an opportunity for all those in Ireland with an interest in Open Source Software to meet and discuss topics and issues,<br>The schedule and further details are available at <br><A href="http://www.ossbarcamp.com/schedule/">http://www.ossbarcamp.com/schedule/</A> DIT students win first prize in the XNA Ireland Challenge! http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=94 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:32:17 +0000 A team of DT228/2 students:<br><br>Zach Davidson<br>Mariano DiMoro<br>Brendan Marsh<br>Stephen O'Hara<br>Hugh O'Higgins<br><br>From the <a href="http://gamesockst.socs.dit.ie/">DIT Games Soc</a> last week came FIRST PLACE in the <a href="http://www.gamesfleadh.ie/">XNA Ireland</a> Games Programming competition as part of Games Fleadh 2009 in the Tipperary Institute. The team competed against teams from 13 other institutes with their novel implementation of Asteroids in XNA, controllable using the Guitar Hero drum kit. <br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c5Q4LCkfhyw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c5Q4LCkfhyw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></object><a style="left: 425px ! important; top: &#002d;346.933px ! important;" title="Block this object with Adblock Plus" class="hdmuzcjeoclzgegsfhbd visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/c5Q4LCkfhyw&hl=en&fs=1"></a><a style="left: 425px ! important; top: &#002d;346.933px ! important;" title="Block this object with Adblock Plus" class="hdmuzcjeoclzgegsfhbd visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/c5Q4LCkfhyw&hl=en&fs=1"></a><a style="left: 425px ! important; top: &#002d;346.933px ! important;" title="Block this object with Adblock Plus" class="hdmuzcjeoclzgegsfhbd visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/c5Q4LCkfhyw&hl=en&fs=1"></a> <br><br>Their game which made use of vector graphics and procedurally generated audio was judged a clear winner by judges from Microsoft Game Studios, Popcap games, Blackrock Studios, Atari and Realtime Worlds. The team takes home €600 in prize money and the XNA Ireland Challenge perpetual Cup<br><br>Also DIT students:<br><br>Iain Breen<br>Petru Bumbar<br>Hugh O'Higgins<br>Mariano DiMoro<br><br>Won trophies in the Guitar Hero competition.<br><br>DT228/3 XNA Ireland team:<br><br>Andrew Bannister<br>Iain Breen<br>Petru Bumbar<br><br>Were highly commended by the judges for their novel game which combined RTS style controls with Asteroids.<br><br>Finally, DT228/1 students:<br><br>Neil Donegan <br>Adam Glendon Carraic<br>Trevor Punton <br><br>Bet off competition from 11 other DT228/1 teams to represent DIT in Robocode. An unanticipated rule change which meant the addition of two sentry bots to each match meant that their robot faced an additional challenge in the finals in Tipperay. Nevertheless the students still took home prizes of Creative Labs Mp3 players for winning the Milee battle in Robocode.<br><br>Well done to all students who participated!<br><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter500/GamesFleadh2009#">Photos from Games Fleadh 2009</a> Games Fleadh Update http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=93 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:54:45 +0000 <p><a href="http://www.gamesfleadh.ie/">Games Fleadh</a> takes place next week in the Tipperary Institute in Thurles. <p>On Wednesday the XNA Ireland Challenge competition takes place, with the Games Pro talks talks taking place on Wednesday afternoon. The following speakers are confirmed: <p>Dylan Collins CEO Jolt Online Gaming <p>Wayne Imlach Senior Designer PopCap Games International Ltd. <p>Matthew Rubin Senior Developer Black Rock Studios <p>For more information & profiles of the speakers see <a href ="http://www.gamesfleadh.ie/gamespro">here</a>. <p>Congratulations to this years DIT Robocode team, whose robot GrapeTrain won the DIT Robocode finals last Friday: <p>Neil Donegan <p>Trevor Punton <p>Adam Glendon&#002d;Carrick <p>This year 11 first year teams took part in Robocode which is a great tribute to the enthusiasm of the class! <p>I need to know the final teams for XNA Ireland Challenge by this Friday @ 2pm. Can all XNA Ireland challenge teams meet in room A305 @ 2pm on Friday 6th. <p>Transport: <p>The XNA Challenge teams will travel down to Thurles on Tuesday evening. Accommodation will be provided for up to three teams in the Anner Hotel. The teams need to be set up by 9am Wednesday morning in the Tipperary Institute. A coach will leave DIT @ 10am Wednesday for the Robocode team and Robocode\XNA Challenge supporters. We should be arriving in Tipperary in time for the game pro talks on Wednesday afternoon. Accommodation will be provided in the Anner hotel on Wednesday for the XNA Challenge teams and the Robocode team. The coach will leave Tipperary Institute on Thursday @ 5pm <p>Can class reps please send me a list of those intending to travel by Friday at the latest so I know the numbers for the coach. <p><b>IMPORTANT:</b> All supporters will need to make their own accommodation arrangements on Wednesday evening! The Anner provides tripple rooms for €100 per night (including breakfast). Here is <a href="http://www.thurles.ie/0/359/">a list of B&B & hotels in Thurles town</a>. Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania visit to the School of Computing http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=92 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:42:38 +0000 The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Mizengo Peter Pinda visited the School of Computing on the 27th February 2009, in recognition of the franchised DT228 which is being offered in Tanzania in collaboration with the Institute of Finance Management in Dar es salaam &#002d; Tanzania. Announcing Games Fleadh 2009! http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=89 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:03:21 +0000 <p><a href="http://www.gamesfleadh.ie/">Games Fleadh 2009</a>, 11th & 12th March 2009, Tipperary Institute, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Ireland. <p><a href="http://www.gamesfleadh.ie/">Games Fleadh</a>, Ireland's largest computer & console games programming festival now incorporating the following major events; <ul> <li>Robocode Ireland <li>XNA Ireland Challenge <li>XNA Ireland Challenge for Schools <li>SchoolBots Challenge <li>Gaming Tournaments <li>GamesPro Talks </ul> <p>Games studios expert will deliver a series of talks on all aspects of games design and development on the 11th March. On the 12th March experts will judge portfolios entries from colleges and school participants. <p> For previous coverage of DIT's participation in Games Fleadh see: <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=46">Games fleadh update</a> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=28">DIT Takes Top Honours in Robocode</a> <p> The school can send a maximum of 3 XNA Ireland challenge teams (all students) to the competition and 1 robocode team (first year students only). If you are interested in being a part of this years teams, please contact: <p><a href="mailto:bryan.duggan@dit.ie">Bryan Duggan</a> <p><a href="mailto:hugh.mcatamney@dit.ie">Hugh McAtamney</a> <p><a href="mailto:drakai@gmail.com">Zachary Davison</a> (Games Soc) New MSc. in DIGITAL GAMES http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=88 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:09:46 +0000 The schools of computing and media have launched an exciting new MSc in Digital Games. This is a unique degree aimed at innovating in the games industry. It combines expertise from both schools and is due to start in September. <p> <a href="http://www.dit.ie/study/postgraduate/browse/programmes/title,23812,en.html" target="_blank">Applications are now being accepted.</a><p> Enter your details below to register your interest.<p> <script> function validate() { var error = ""; if (document.form1.name.value=="") { error += "Please enter your name\n"; } if (document.form1.email1.value=="") { error += "Please enter your email\n"; } if (document.form1.email2.value=="") { error += "Please confirm your email\n"; } if ((document.form1.email1.value != "") && (document.form1.email2.value != "") && (document.form1.email1.value != document.form1.email2.value)) { error += "Email addresses do not match\n"; } if (error != "") { alert (error); return; } else { document.form1.submit(); } } </script> <form name="form1" method="post" action="saveEnquiry.php"> <table border="0"> <tr> <td ><div align="right">Name:</div></td> <td ><input name="name" type="text" value=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div align="right">Email: </div></td> <td><input name="email1" type="text" value=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div align="right">Repeat email: </div></td> <td><input name="email2" type="text" value=""></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div align="right">Comment:</div></td> <td><textarea name="comment" id="comment"></textarea></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td><input type="button" name="Submit" value="Submit" onClick="validate()"></td> </tr> </table> </form> Ten Secondary School Students Graduate from School of Computing http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=84 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:23:07 +0000 Ten pupils from Dublin inner&#002d;city secondary schools have been awarded a certificate in <i>Introduction to Games Development</i> following completion of a short course offered by the School of Computing. The course was delivered over the past academic semester by two lecturers from the School of Computing, Ciar&#00E1;n O'Leary and Paul Kelly, assisted by undergraduate students on the DIT's BSc Computer Science. The course was supported by the <a href="http://www.discproject.ie/">Dublin Inner&#002d;city Schools Computerisation (DISC)</a> project and the <a href="http://www.dit.ie/services/communitylinks/">DIT Community Links Office</a> as well as <a href="http://www.gamestop.ie/">GameStop</a> who provided prizes for participants. <p> Pupils on the course used the Game Maker toolkit and GIMP image manipulation software for their productions. Throughout the 10 week course, the pupils acquired the many skills required to create computer games based on their own ideas, inspiration, experience and imagination. The pupils were ultimately assessed based on the games which they produced with their classmates. The assessment rewarded students who produced good stories, high quality software and fun games. <p> Somewhat unusually for technical courses, nine of the ten pupils who completed the course were from girls schools. All pupils were from schools located in the inner&#002d;city, close to a campus of the Dublin Institute of Technology. <p> The secondary schools involved this year were: <ul> <li>Westland Row Christian Brothers School, Westland Row, Dublin 2</li> <li>St. Joseph's Girl's Secondary School, Stanhope Street, Dublin 7</li> <li>Mount Carmel Girl's Secondary School, Kings Inn Street, Dublin 1</li> </ul> Photos from the Windows Embedded World Tour http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=83 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:27:49 +0000 <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter500/RoboticsEuropeanTour2008">Photos</a> from the Windows Embedded World Tour hosted by the DIT School of Computing on 28 November 2008. Photos from this years games design workshops http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=82 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:03:47 +0000 Thanks to all who helped out and attended this years highly successful Ernest Adams Workshops on Computer Games Design. Over 200 students attended from more than 60 schools. Special thanks to our sponsors Microsoft Ireland and The Irish Computer Society. <p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter500/ErnestAdamsWorkshops22November2008#">Photos from the 22 November workshop</a> <p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter500/ErnestAdamsWorkshop6December2008?authkey=BfO_VlqwGHI#">Photos from the 6 December workshop</a> Robots Will Do The Jobs We Hate http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=80 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:57:49 +0000 <p>The recent DIT School of Computing science week talk "Robots Are Invading Our Lives" was covered in the Irish Times last week. The article is available <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1111/1226355683841.html">here</a>.</p> Announcing the third annual games design workshops for second level students http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=72 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:24:37 +0100 <p><b>Like computer games?</b></p> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=79">Directions to the workshops!</a></p> <p>The School of Computing has announced that the third annual one day workshops on computer game design for second level students will take place on <b>Saturday 22th November</b> and <b>Saturday 6th December</b>. Over 9000 students have participated in these workshops over the past two years.</p> <p><a href="register.php">Online registration now open!</a> <p><a href="/bduggan/downloads/Poster03Small.pdf">Download the poster!</a> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=41"Pictures from last years workshops.</a></p> <p>The workshops which are sponsored by the <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie">DIT</a>, <a href="http://www.ics.ie">The Irish Computer Society</a> and <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie">Microsoft Ireland</a> is hosted by games industry guru <a href="http://www.designersnotebook.com/Home_Page/home_page.htm">Ernest Adams</a>. Ernest Adams is a veteran freelance game designer, writer, and teacher, working with the International Hobo Group. He has been in the game industry since 1989, and is the author of three books. Ernest is also the founder and first chairman of the International Game Developers' Association. </p> <p>This is a day&#002d;long exploration of the basics of the craft of game design, covering core mechanics, gameplay, user interface design, concept art, level design, and even a small story. It begins with a lecture, then challenges you to apply what you've learned to flesh out a new game design concept. The classes will then be divided the into teams and each team will work on a different game idea. At the end of the day, you'll present your results to the group and we'll discuss how they came out. Everything is supplied and there are no pre&#002d;requisites, all you need is a love of games!</p> <p>Participation in the the day is FREE (but space is limited so apply early) and all participations will receive lunch and a DIT tee&#002d;shirt. You can also win <b>XBOX 360's</b> and games on the day!</p> <p> <p><a href="register.php">Register online</a> or contact Hugh McAtamney for group bookings</p> <p><a href="mailto:hmcatamney@comp.dit.ie">hmcatamney@comp.dit.ie</a></p> <p>Phone: + 353 1 4023282</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.chooseit.ie"><img border="0" src="http://www.comp.dit.ie/cgames/images/chooseit_logo_small.gif"></a> <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie"><img border="0" src="images/xbox&#002d;360&#002d;logo.jpg"></a> <br></p> Intelligent computers put to the test http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=68 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:27:15 +0100 <p>"At 9 a.m. next Sunday, six computer programs &#002d; 'artificial conversational entities' &#002d; will answer questions posed by human volunteers at the University of Reading in a bid to become the first recognized 'thinking' machine. If any program succeeds, it is likely to be hailed as the most significant breakthrough in artificial intelligence since the IBM supercomputer Deep Blue beat world chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. It could also raise profound questions about whether a computer has the potential to be 'conscious' &#002d; and if humans should have the 'right' to switch it off."</p> <p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/oct/05/artificialintelligenceai">The full story</a></p> Windows Embedded & Robotics European Tour to Come to DIT http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=77 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:41:32 +0000 <p>Are you a student or academic interested in learning how to build the embedded systems and robots of the future? Then why not attend the Microsoft Windows Embedded European Tour which is coming to DIT. You'll hear from experts from Microsoft as well as local industry partners and gain an insight in to one of the fastest growing technology markets. </p> <p>You'll see the Microsoft Windows Embedded family of products at work in the real world and discover how they are being used to power systems in factories, cars, your personal navigation or music player device or even your set&#002d;top box at home. You'll get under the hood of the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework and also discover just how easy it is to build robotics applications for a wide variety of hardware using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio, the Windows&#002d;based environment.</p> <p>So whether you're a seasoned embedded or robotics developer or a total newbie, then sign up today for the Microsoft Windows Embedded European Tour to learn how to build the next generation embedded systems and robots.</p> <p><b>Event details:</b><br /> <ul> <li>Location: Gleeson Hall, Dublin Instiutute of Technology, Kevin St, Dublin 7. <li>Date: 28 November, 2008 <li>Time: 10:00 &#002d; 16:00 </ul> </p> <p>For registration please visit: <br /><a href="http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032394842&Culture=en&#002d;IE">http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032394842&Culture=en&#002d;IE</a><br /><br /></p> <h2>Session Abstracts</h2> <h3>Session 1: Windows&#002d;Based Connected Devices in the Real World</h3> <p>Windows&#002d;based operating system technology is being deployed in the broadest and most demanding of environments, and is at the forefront of providing a solid foundation for the next generation of connected embedded and robotic devices. Microsoft Windows Embedded and Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio products are designed to help you build highly customized and flexible device designs with easy&#002d;to&#002d;use development tools. This introductory session will give you a high&#002d;level overview of Microsoft's Connected Devices and Robotics strategies and the role each plays in the embedded market space with real&#002d;life examples.</p> <h3>Session 2: Microsoft's Commitment to Academia</h3> <p>Microsoft works in partnership to advance the cause of education around the globe helping students achieve their dreams, empowering educators to inspire, and supporting academic institutions striving for academic and research excellence. In this session you'll discover just some of the resources available for students and faculty interested in taking the next step with Embedded and Robotics development.</p> <h3>Session 3: "Small is Beautiful" Building Solutions with the .NET Micro Framework</h3> <p>The .NET Micro Framework lets you develop for tiny, inexpensive, and tightly resource&#002d;constrained devices, requiring only a few hundred kilobytes of RAM and a low cost processor. In this demo packed session you'll learn how easy it is to create and debug embedded applications, build custom emulators and deploy solutions to a variety of devices, using the Visual Studio development tools, the .NET object model, and C#. See working solutions and learn tips, tricks, and traps based on real&#002d;world, hands&#002d;on experience building embedded solutions with the .NET Micro Framework.</p> <h3>Session 4: The Ongoing Democratisation of Robotics Development</h3> <p>Have you seen Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 (MSRDS) in action? In this demonstration&#002d;rich session you'll be presented with MSRDS concepts before diving into the runtime modules: DSS (Decentralized Software Services) and CCR (Concurrency and Coordination Runtime). You'll also see which tools can be used and how: Visual Programming Language, Visual Simulation Environment, and Visual Studio. To show you just how easily you can build a robotics application, you'll see real robots in action and discover how you can run Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio on a range of Windows based devices.</p> GOA Games announces 400 new jobs for Dublin http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=74 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:22:10 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.goagames.com/en/index.htm">GO</a>A, a games company owned by mobile phone company Orange, which has an exclusive support contract with Warhammer Online creator Mythic Games, is to create over 400 jobs in Dublin.</p> <p>It is understood that the company has already recruited half of this number of workers at its new operation near central Dublin.</p> <p>GOA has won the contract to support the hugely anticipated game Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, and the Dublin operation will support other games across Europe in five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.</p> <p>For more information see <a href="http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/11657/business/goa&#002d;games&#002d;comes&#002d;to&#002d;dublin">siliconrepublic</a>.</p> New DT228 joint programme in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=73 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:04:12 +0100 The School of Computing / The Institute of Finance Management (IFM), Dar es Salaam joint Computer Science (DT228) programme commenced on the 6th of October, 2008. The initial student intake is 20 with at least 40 planned for subsequent years.<br> Initial training to emphasise the industry&#002d;orientation syllabus of DT228 to IFM academic staff was carried out in July/August,2008 by Fred Mtenzi, Oliver O'Connor and Paul Kelly. This training was very successful and prepared IFM staff for the implementation of DT228 in the CIT school of IFM.<br> Paul Kelly traveled to IFM in October to carry out further training and to assist in the implementation of SOC's teaching models. SOC staff advised on the implementation of their modules and generously contributed lecture notes, assignments and text books.<br> A meeting was held with the Irish Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms. Anne Barrington, who offered the support and assistance of the embassy for the joint programme.<br> It is planned that Oliver O'Connor and Fred Mtenzi will assist in the implementation of DIT's Quality Assurance Systems and will attend the end of semester examinations boards in January and June, 2009.<br> Further mechanisms for exchange of staff and students between the partner institutions for purposes of research and skills development is planned for the future.<br> SOC members of the steering committee for the joint programme are Brendan O'Shea, Fred Mtenzi, Oliver O'Connor, Patricia O'Byrne, June Barrett and Paul Kelly.<br> The joint DT228 programme has also been been running in Harbin Institute of Technology, China since September, 2003. SAS Ireland to Sponsor Prize for Best Knowledge Management Student http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=71 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:33:53 +0100 SAS Ireland (<a href = "http://www.sas.com">www.sas.com</a>) have kindly agreed to sponsor the best student prize for the School of Computing's MSc in Computing (Knowledge Management). This is another sign of the commitment of SAS Ireland to working with the school and their recognition of our high standards. SAS Ireland are already involved in a certification arrangement on the Business Systems Intelligence modules of the MSc courses in the school along with a number of other informal collaborations. PC Live! Article on School of Computing's MSc (Computing) Assistive Technology http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=70 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:42:41 +0100 The October 2008 edition of <a href="http://www.techcentral.ie/home_PC.aspx">PC Live! magazine</a> feature's an article about the School of Computing's exciting new <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dt202">MSc programme on Assistive Technology</a>. The two&#002d;page article stresses the importance of Universal Design and user&#002d;centred development for modern technology solutions. The programme was endorsed by organisations such as the <a href="http://www.vicsireland.org/">Visually Impaired Computer Society</a>, and the <a href="http://www.nda.ie/cntmgmtnew.nsf/0/F804770E295AC797802572CF003D69EB?OpenDocument">Centre for Excellence in Universal Design</a> in the <a href="http://www.nda.ie">National Disability Authority</a>. Secondary School Games Development Project http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=69 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:01:00 +0100 This week saw the beginning of an exciting new short course being offered by the School of Computing to pupils in local secondary schools in inner&#002d;city Dublin. <p> The course, titled <i>Introduction to Games Development</i>, is designed to teach transition year students the skills required to develop computer games based on their own ideas, inspiration, experience and imagination. <p> Participating pupils come from the following schools <ul> <li>St Joseph's, Stanhope St</li> <li>Larkin Community College</li> <li>Mount Carmel</li> <li>Westland Row CBS</li> </ul> <p> The course is delivered by School of Computing lecturers <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/coleary">Ciar&#00E1;n O'Leary</a> and <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/pkelly">Paul Kelly</a>, with the voluntary help of tutors from second year of <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dt228">BSc Computer Science (DT228)</a>. <p> Support is provided by the <a href="http://www.discproject.ie">DISC project</a> and the <a href="http://www.dit.ie/services/communitylinks/">DIT Community Links Office</a>. Additional support is provided by <a href="http://www.gamestop.ie/">GameStop</a>. <p> For more information please see the <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/coleary/gm/">course website</a>, or contact <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/coleary">Ciar&#00E1;n O'Leary</a> Microsoft launches Dreamspark for students http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=65 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:26:41 +0100 <p><b>From <a href="mailto:drakai@gmail.com">Zachery Davidson</a>, the Microsoft student rep:</b> <p>Hey Computer Science/Computing Students! <p>Next week is Clubs & Socs week, which for the uninitiated, is one of your only chances to catch all of DITs societies in one place and sign up. This year, along with the societies, Microsoft will be in attendance to promote Dreamspark, which is a new programme to give free development and creative Microsoft tools and software to students across the globe, and all you have to do is spend a minute or so signing up for Dreamspark on the website, and you can avail of the free software and tools instantly. The free tools are: </p> <ul> <li>Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition. <li>SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition. <li>Microsoft Expression Studio. <li>XNA Game Studio 2.0. <li>Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition. <li>Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition. </ul> <p>Along with this, you also get 1 year of free XNA Creators Club membership, which will allow you to develop Xbox 360 projects and titles with XNA Game Studio. This is worth 100$ and is a great thing to get into, regardless of the year you're in (Yes, even first year). <p>To sign up for Dreamspark, you can visit this link. You will need to use your @student.dit.ie email address to confirm you are a DIT student. <p><a href="https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/Default.aspx">Sign up here!</a> <p>I will also be outside the Student Union shop in Kevin Street throughout the week, promoting Dreamspark. You will also be able to find out more information at the Gamesoc stands during Clubs & Socs week at both Kevin ST and Aungier ST. <p>The Kevin ST & Aungier ST Gamesoc will be holding signups for two days in both Aungier ST and Kevin ST during Clubs & Socs week, we will be in attendance with a stand with promotional material, some gizmos and games, and possibly some free stuff. <p>There are several Irish programming competitions which have a gaming focus, and we will be sponsoring teams to enter these. We will also offer mentoring to every team who enter Robocode. Here is a short summary of some of the competitions. <p><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/ireland/imaginecup/Default.mspx"><b>Imagine Cup</b></a> <p>A Microsoft programming competition. Worldwide scale. Winners in Ireland get sent to Egypt to compete against colleges from around the globe. Many categories available. <p><a href="http://www.daretobedigital.com/ "><b>Dare To Be Digital</b></a> <p>Games development competition in Ireland. You don't need to be a hypergenius or a really experienced programmer to enter so don't be shy. <p><a href="http://www.xna.ie "><b>XNA Challenge</b></a> <p>A game development competition using XNA, basic idea is you have to recreate a classic game with a new twist for the Xbox 360 (This would be good use of your Dreamspark account ;) ), last year was Space Invaders. Rumoured themes this year are Asteroids or Atari. Very fun. Takes place simultaneously to Robocode at the same event in Tipperary. <p><a href="http://www.robocode.ie/"><b>Robocode</b></a> <p>An Artificial Intelligence programming competition using Java. VERY easy to pick up, designed purely for 1st years (Only first years can enter). Great fun, you can program your robot in seconds or hours depending on the complexity. Takes place in Tipperary simultaneous to XNA Challenge. <p>UNCOMFIRMED <p><a href="http://www.robocode.ie/"><b>Robocode 2</b><a> <p>Identical to Robocode, but designed for 2nd Year students. <p>We also have a website. <a href="http://gamesockst.socs.dit.ie">Register away</a> and have fun! <p>Also keep an eye out for Microsoft! SOC invests in creative computing http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=63 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:49:31 +0100 <p>The School of Computing today announced that it has commissioned a new lab for computer science students studying <b>Games Programming, Games Middleware, Graphics, Image Processing, Music Technology, Mobile Games, Digital Audio, Games Design and Mobile Robotics</b>. The lab will be known as the "Creative Computing" lab and will have: <ul> <li>HP Graphics workstations with NVidia Quadro graphics cards <li>Mobile graphics workstations for loan to students working on projects <li>XBOX 360 consoles <li>Wii's and PS3's <li>A 40" Plasma TV <li>A smart whiteboard <li>Surround sound digital speakers <li>M&#002d;Audio MIDI keyboards <li>A custom built robotics workstation <li>State of the art mobile robotics kits </ul> <p>Work will shortly commence on the fitting out of the new lab, which will be ready for the coming academic term. </p> EGG Makes serious games available for free download http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=64 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:02:28 +0100 <p>The <a href="http://www.seriousgames.ie">Experimental Gaming Group</a> is happy to make available for free download the following student developed games: <p> <a href="http://seriousgames.ie/mediawiki&#002d;1.6.10/index.php/Contamin8">Contamin8</a> is a serious games project developed between the DIT School of Computing, Digital Media Centre, Learning Technology Team and School of Food Science & Environmental Health. The game is a 'click and drag' based food safety game. This is a 2D casual game and therefore extreme gamers aren't the only people who can play this. Anyone can play this because it only involves clicking with the mouse so dont be scared to give it a try! Contamin8 was developed by DT228 student <b>Brendan Fields.</b> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/games/InstallContamin8.exe">Download here!</a> <p><a href="http://seriousgames.ie/mediawiki&#002d;1.6.10/index.php/Free_Radicals">Free Radicals</a> is DT228 student <b>Mark Dunne</b>'s prize winning final year project based around the chemistry of the Ozone layer. The player controls a nanobot called "Dobson 1.0" who's sole purpose it to reduce the effects of ozone depletion, this is achieved by converting greenhouse gas molecules (CO2, H2O, N2O, CH4) into O3(Ozone), in doing so repairing the hole in the ozone layer. Weapons and a power source will be absorb through the breakdown of the greenhouse gases. It will be a race against time, with the "Dobson 1.0" having to produce enough O3 to stabilise the ozone layer. Free Radicals molecules(CFCs, NO, OH) will be constantly breaking down the Ozone molecules at a faster rate than the UV light they absorb so the Dobson 1.0 will need to destroy these before producing new ozone molecules. <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/games/Install_Free_Radicals.exe">Download here!</a> Note: This game requires an XBOX 360 controller <p> <a href="http://seriousgames.ie/mediawiki&#002d;1.6.10/index.php/Serious_Gordon">Serious Gordon</a> is a serious games project developed between the DIT School of Computing, Learning Technology Team and School of Food Science & Environmental Health. The game is set in an immersive 3D environment in which the player takes on the role of a kitchen porter on his first day at work. By completing a series of tasks the player is taught the basic aspects of food safety that are relevant to anyone working with food. The game was developed by <b>Andrew Richie</b> and <b>Patrick Lindstrum</b>, DIT computer science students and <b>David Brennan</b> from the Tipperary Institute of Technology. <p> <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zwKY6nbG6gU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zwKY6nbG6gU" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/games/setup_np.exe">Download here!</a> Note: This game requires the game Half Life 2 to be installed and will not work without it. <p>For more student developed games, see <a href="http://www.seriousgames.ie">seriousgames.ie</a> Havok offers $40K prize fund to game programming students http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=62 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:13:30 +0100 <p>Havok, the company behind the physics engine in most top 10 selling computer games, is offering a $40,000 prize for amateur games developers who can find the next big thing in game developing. <p>Entitled the Havok Physics Innovation Contest, amateur game developers worldwide are being asked to create an innovative playable PC game demo using the Intel sponsored no&#002d;charge PC version of Havok's Emmy award&#002d;winning software Havok Physics. <p>One of the prizes on offer is open only to third&#002d;level students in Ireland, offering budding Irish game developers a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent to the global game developing community. <b>DIT Games Programming students study physics middleware as part of the Games Middleware subject and can enter the competition as their assignment for this subject. In related news, DIT Games programming students <b>David Beaney, Conor MacManamon and Nicolas Hannon</b>have just completed an internship with Havok </b> </p> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5LgZOLrFFLQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5LgZOLrFFLQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <p> A panel of five judges, including representatives from Havok and Intel and <b>DIT School of Computing games lecturer Hugh McAtamney</b> will review all entries and choose the winners based on a variety of criteria including: use of physics in a way that has not been seen before; realistic user interaction; responsiveness; high&#002d;quality visual content; technical, detail accuracy of content submitted; originality of content submitted; and value to the community <p>Four overall winners will be selected and will be announced at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco in 2009 and have their PC game demos showcased by Havok and Intel. In addition to thousands of euros in cash prizes, each winner will receive an All Access Pass to the GDC. <p>Havok is also offering top&#002d;of&#002d;the&#002d;line PC equipment to the two entrants who devise technical content that shares physics knowledge with the broader developer base. Entrants are encouraged to submit code samples, optimisation tips, white papers and other technical content that can benefit the larger software developer community. <p>Havok's physics software is featured in over 200 triple A games available on store shelves today. With well over 90 games currently in development for release this year, use of Havok's ubiquitous software is up 100pc from the same period last year. Best&#002d;selling titles featuring Havok physics include Halo 3, Assassin's Creed, Guitar Hero III, BioShock, World in Conflict, Half Life 2: The Orange Box and Heavenly Sword. <p>To enter the competition go to: <p><a href="http://www.havok.com/contest">http://www.havok.com/contest</a> DT228/4 Students Publish Paper on Final Year Projects at ISAGA 2008 http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=59 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:28:00 +0100 A paper by two of this year's DT228/4 students, Qingqing Dong and Zhongyi Sun, will be presented at the 39th International Simulation & Gaming Association Conference (ISAGA 2008) this July in Kaunas, Lithuania. The paper is titled "Mixed Reality Desktop Games" and is based on their final year projects. The paper will be available from the school publications listing shortly. DIT School of Computing and SAS Ireland to Collaborate on Analytics Education http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=61 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:47:09 +0100 <p>The DIT School of Computing and SAS Ireland (the world leader in business intelligence and analytical software and services) have announced that they are to collaborate on analytics education. As part of the School of Computing MSc courses in Information Technology (DT230/DT210) and Knowledge Management (DT209/DT217) students taking the Business Systems Intelligence module will be prepared to take the SAS Predictive Modeling Certification. This certification will validate student's expertise worldwide in this key growth area.</p> <p>More information is available from <a href="http://www.sas.com/offices/europe/ireland/press_office/press_releases/dit_08.html">SAS Ireland</a>, the <a href="http://www.independent.ie/national&#002d;news/joinedup&#002d;thinking&#002d;on&#002d;business&#002d;intelligence&#002d;1423225.html">Irish Independent</a>, and the course websites: <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/DT217/">DT217</a> and <a href ="http://www.dit.ie/DIT/study/graduate/courses/ft230.html">DT230</a>.</p> Awards at ICITST2008 http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=60 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:09:35 +0100 School of Computing lecturer <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/mcollins/">Michael Collins</a> was awarded Best Paper at the <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/icitst2008/">International Conference for Internet Technology and Secured Transactions</a>, hosted by the Dublin Institute of Technology in June 2008. Michael's paper, entitled <i>Identifying and isolating aberrant nodes in wireless sensor networks</i> details his ongoing work in security for sensor networks. <p> Michael's colleague in the School of Computing, <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/">Damian Gordon</a> was awarded Best Presentation for his exciting <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/Publications/Author/2008ICITST/HackersandHollywood.ppt">multimedia depiction</a> of the previously unexplored relationship between the media portrayal of hacking and cracking, and the realtiy of such activities. <p> <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dlawless">Deirdre Lawless</a>, the Local Arrangements Chair was also awarded in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the successful conference. MPhil Opportunity in Assistive Robotics Announced http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=55 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:33:42 +0100 <p>Applications are sought for a post‐graduate research position investigating the use of wireless sensor technologies for robot localisation and object recognition in domestic assistive technology applications.</p> <p>More information is available <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/jkelleher/RobotAdd.pdf">here</a>.</p> gamedevelopers.ie 5th birthday event http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=51 Fri, 02 May 2008 16:20:28 +0100 <p><b>Update!</b></p> <p> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/skooter500/GamedevelopersIeBirthday">Photos now available</a></p> <p>Thursday the 8th of May at 6.30pm will see the annual birthday event to celebrate 5 years of <a href="http://gamedevelopers.ie">gamedevelopers.ie</a>. <p>This year we are being hosted by the School of Computing at DIT, Kevin Street in Dublin, room K007. <p>Signs on the ground floor of the building will lead you to the room. <p>The event will kick off with a reception at 6.30pm, kindly sponsored by the School of Computing at DIT. Finger food and refreshments will be provided. <p> <iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kevin+St,+Dublin&sll=37.0625,&#002d;95.677068&sspn=25.426865,66.181641&ie=UTF8&ll=53.345428,&#002d;6.26564&spn=0.009327,0.032315&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJqOGE1Gf7HXnEU35jQrM9U5biZaqA"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kevin+St,+Dublin&sll=37.0625,&#002d;95.677068&sspn=25.426865,66.181641&ie=UTF8&ll=53.345428,&#002d;6.26564&spn=0.009327,0.032315&z=14&iwloc=addr&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text&#002d;align:left">View Larger Map</a></small> </p> <p>The formal proceedings will start at 7pm with an introduction by Bryan Duggan, lecturer in games at DIT. This will be followed by a panel discussion, chaired by Dr. Aphra Kerr of NUI Maynooth, looking at how the Irish games industry has developed over the past five years and where it is going. <p>The panel members have all been selected as they have been involved in the games industry since the beginning of gamedevelopers.ie. They are also involved in different areas of the games industry and games education. So they have a lot of experience and expertise to share. <p>Confirmed speakers so far include: <p>Tony Kelly, producer, Demonware/Activision. <p>Steve Collins, senior lecturer, TCD, formerly of Havok. <p>Peter Lynch, producer and developer, Eirplay Games. <p>Claire Fitch, freelance audio designer and musician, Fitch sounds. <p>The panel discussion will be followed by the annual gd.ie awards. Any member of the gd.ie forums can vote. Even if you cannot attend on the evening you can still vote. To vote please visit <a href="http://www.gamedevelopers.ie/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4886">http://www.gamedevelopers.ie/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4886</a> <p>Socialising will continue afterwards in a nearby pub, details to be confirmed but it will be on Wexford Street in Dublin. <p>Who can attend? <p>Attendance is free but please send an e&#002d;mail to events@gamedevelopers.ie so we can organise seating and refreshments. <p>Parking <p>There is limited parking at DIT Kevin Street after 6.30pm and parking on the street is free after 7pm. Otherwise St. Stephen's Green and RCSI car parks are probably the closest. <p>DIT, Kevin Street, Dublin. <p>For more on their BSc in Computer Science which has a games stream see <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dt228/structure.html">DT228</a> and <a href="http://seriousgames.ie">here</a>. Student Paper Accepted http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=53 Wed, 07 May 2008 13:49:04 +0100 Kerry O'Connor, a student on the BSc Information Systems and Information Technology, is due to present an academic paper at the International Conference on Internet Technology and Secure Transactions to take place in the Dublin Institute of Technology in June. The paper is titled "EvoBrowse: Evolving Decentralised Markup Languages for Entry Level Web Authors" and is based on Kerry's work towards his final year project. PC Live! Magazine interviews EGG http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=52 Sun, 04 May 2008 19:31:17 +0100 There is a great 2 page article on the Experimental Gaming Group in the DIT School of Computing in this months PC Live! magazine, with interviews Brian Mc Namee, Hugh McAtamney and myself. There are also some quotes from students, photos, screenshots of some of our games and descriptions of our games courses. I'll stick up a copy outside the school office next week! School of Computing Abbest PhD Scholarships http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=50 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:31:33 +0100 <p>Applications are sought from exceptional graduates for DIT Abbest PhD Research Scholarships for School of Computing projects. These scholarships will include a maintenance grant of €16,000 p.a. for 3.5years, plus €2,000 expenses plus all programme fees.</p> <p>Details of the School of Computing projects are available from: <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bmacnamee/SOC&#002d;AbbestAds.doc">SoCAbbestProjcts.doc</a></p> <p>More details on the Abbest scheme and the application form can be found at: <a href = "http://www.dit.ie/DIT/study/graduate/research/abbest.html">Abbest Scheme </a></p> <p><b>Closing Date: 23rd May 2008</b>.</p> PhD Positions Available http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=48 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:31:47 +0100 <p>Applications are invited for 4 fully funded, 3&#002d;year PhD studentships in the Digital Media Centre and School of Computing at the Dublin Institute of Technology.</p> <p>Lok8 (locate), a Strand III funded project, will investigate the use of personalised, contextual location&#002d;based services (LBS) using mobile devices ranging from auditory user interfaces on Bluetooth ear&#002d;pieces to intelligent avatars equipped with cameras, microphones, speakers, and projectors. There are 4 distinct project areas, one for each student position.</p> <p>More details can be found in the following document <a href = "http://www.comp.dit.ie/bmacnamee/Lok8&#002d;Ad.doc">Lok8&#002d;Ad.doc</a>.</p> Games fleadh update http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=46 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:29:02 +0000 <p>Well done to both teams who represented the School of Computing at Games Fleadh in Tipperary last week!</p> <p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/skooter500/GamesFleadh2008">Photos of the day</a></p> <p>TV3 coverage:</p> <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2&#002d;MytS2Uzg0&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2&#002d;MytS2Uzg0&hl=en" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> <p>The opening ceremony:</p> <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1s2Es5VWQOg&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1s2Es5VWQOg&hl=en" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> <p>DIT Vs Letterkenny:</p> <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wRwovQwhCkY&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wRwovQwhCkY&hl=en" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Sun Academic Initiative http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=45 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:30:51 +0000 <p>From <a href="mailto:dan.maccormac@gmail.com">Dan McCormac</a>:</p> <p>Here is some more information on how to participate in the Sun Academic Initiative (SAI), which offers free online training to staff and students who wish to gain Sun certification. More info <a href="http://www.sun.com/solutions/landing/industry/education/sai/index.xml">is available here</a>. <p>The only cost associated with the SAI is the cost of sitting the exam (certification voucher), which are &euro 60 each. Online courses can be taken free of charge, in your own time.</p> <p>If you are interested in enrolling, here's what you need to do:</p> <ol> <li>Go to <a href="https://learningconnection.sun.com/">https://learningconnection.sun.com/ </a></li> <li>Register for Sun Learning Connection. You will need the following codes. Please copy and post these as they must be exact!<br/> Company name is SAI&#002d;Dublin Institute of Technology<br/> Company ID is CUS&#002d;0000099064<br/></li> <li>Login to browse and enroll in courses available.</li> </ol> DIT Takes Top Honours in Robocode http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=28 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:03:09 +0100 <p>High performers at 'intervarsity' computer game challenge, Robocode, may have put themselves in the front&#002d;line for computer programming positions at top companies, organisers of the games and employers say.</p> <p>The virtual contest, which was hosted at Tipperary Institute's Thurles campus, involved computer&#002d;game loving students from nine third level institutions pitting their very own software for 'tank&#002d;war' battles against rivals' from other colleges.</p> <p>The Dublin Institute Technology, School of Computing team of Philip Kavanagh, Castleknock; Nick Rankin, Clondalkin and Ian O'Brien, Rathfarnham walked away with the laurels, while the Tipperary Institute team of Peter McMillan, Drom, Templemore; Joseph Burke, Ardcroney, Nenagh and Eoghan Corr, Clonmel were the beaten finalists.</p> <p>All competitors are first year students and were been given basic training in software programme writing ahead of the competition.</p> <p>A key objective of the competition is to encourage creativity in computer software programming skills and while only in its fourth year, organisers say that those who excel at the competition annually tend to enhance their chances considerably of securing positions at top companies when they graduate.</p> <p>"If their CV or portfolio refers to the fact that they competed and excelled in this competition, it shows they have a natural flair for designing high&#002d;end computer software, because that is essentially what this competition is about &#002d; finding people with that natural flair," said James Greenslade, Director of ICT Department at Tipperary Institute.</p> <p>"In lay&#002d;man's language, competitors bring their 'battle tank' software to the event and pit it on&#002d;screen against other competitors' software and eventually we come out with a winner. Those who win or place highly in the competition have an innate ability to create software for computer programmes and that ability will be instantly recognised by prospective employers.</p> <p>"We have already seen evidence of this, with previous competitors going on to get top jobs. They can end up designing software for everything from computer games themselves to banking software and the standard of the students' computer programming skills has improved beyond expectations over recent years."</p> <p>One employer gave a ringing endorsement of the organisers' claim, stating that he was immediately impressed by the reference on one job applicant's CV to his participation in the event.</p> <p>"Employers are seeking the best talent and looking for people who are constantly improving their skills," said Tony Kelly of the award winning Galway company Nephin Games &#002d; one of the world's leading designers of 'community&#002d;based' mobile phone games.</p> <p>"Having your name on the Robocode honours role informs the interview process. It was an influencing factor when we asked one of the Robocode finalists to come work for us. Students also need to apply what they hear in lectures, become more innovative in their thinking and practice solving real&#002d;world problems."</p> <p>Sponsors Levono said that the competition is a perfect example of Ireland's educational institutions promoting young Irish talent in the ICT sector. "Lenovo is proud to be associated with competitions, such as the Robocode Challenge Trophy, that showcase young scientists and encourage them to pursue a career in a market that could see a skills shortage in the future," said Fiona O'Brien of Levono.</p> <p>In addition to the Robocode competition itself, Tipperary Institute also kicked&#002d;off preparations for next year's 30th anniversary of the 'original of the species' in terms of computer games, Space Invaders, by launching a major nationwide competition for students to develop their own version of the game that launched a thousand arcades!</p> <p>Also, visitors were treated to a history of computer gaming, with gaming consoles from the last three decades on display at Tipperary Institute during the event. Visitors were also able to view and sample the very latest in game technology, including Microsoft's XNA Game Studio Express, which allows students and hobbyists to build games for Windows Vista and the Xbox 360.</p> <p>Robocode 2007 drew participants from nine colleges and universities &#002d; University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, Waterford Institute of Technology, University of Limerick, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, Galway&#002d;Mayo Institute of Technology and Tipperary Institute.</p> <p> "Lets get READY TO RUMBLE".</p> Ireland facing 'severe shortage' of high&#002d;tech grads http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=42 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:07:25 +0000 <p> As the February deadline looms for Leaving Cert students to pick their college course of choice, ICT Ireland, the lobby group within IBEC for the Irish tech sector, encourages young people to consider a career in technology &#002d; an area with 'huge opportunities'. <a href="http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/news.nv?storyid=single9937">Click here for the full story</a>.</p> Student game developers to invade space http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=44 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:48:42 +0000 <p>DIT students have been developing versions of the classic Space Invaders for an internationally&#002d;judged competition.</p> <p>XNA Ireland Challenge 2008 is set to take place this Wednesday at Tipperary Institutes' Thurles Campus.</p> <p>The students' games have to include at least three levels. But unlike the original 2D arcade game, the competition allows 3D creations.</p> <p>The DIT School of Computing is being represented by a team from DT228/4 games programming stream in the form of Mark Dunne and Damian McGoohan, who have developed a novel combination of Space Invaders with the puzzle classic Rubix Cube called CubeInvaders.</p> <p>Also this Thursday is the National Robocode finals. This year the school is being represented by team BennySplooge from DT228/1, consisting of Zachary Davidson, Brendan March and Otis Kelligan. Students Stephen O' Hara, Darren Kearns and Karl Mc Evoy also contributed code and ideas to the robot.<p> <p>The contest is being backed by games companies including Microsoft, Sega, Rare, as well as the Dublin based DemonWare. XNA is Microsoft's cross&#002d;platform system developing games on both Xbox 360 and Windows. For more see <a href="http://www.xna.ie">http://www.xna.ie</a></p> <p><b>Best of luck to both teams!</b></p> 2008 School Research Seminar Series Launched http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=43 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:55:06 +0000 The school seminar series for 2008 has been launched. The seminars will take place on the first Friday of every month, from 1pm to 2pm. You can access the seminar calendar through the following link: <a href="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=glufn5nptbo9rrfqkesjoaq3jk%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Europe/Dublin ">Seminar Calendar</a>. If you would like to present at the series please contact either Brian Mac Namee or John Kelleher. Pictures from Computer Games Design Workshops http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=41 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:27:09 +0000 <p>Thanks to all who helped out and attended this years highly successful Ernest Adams Workshops on Computer Games Design. Over 200 students attended from more than 60 schools. Special thanks to: Patricia O' Byrne, Brian McNamee, Hugh McAtamney, Prof Brendan O' Shea, Tiedong Yang, Alan Wong, Marouf Alzhad, Damian McGoohan, Martin Dunne, Mark Dunne, Patrick Doran, <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie">Microsoft Ireland</a> and <a href="http://www.chooseit.ie">The Irish Computer Society</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13425752@N02/sets/72157603446782062/"> Photos from Saturday 24th November 2007</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13425752@N02/sets/72157603451246331/"> Photos from Saturday 8th December 2007</a></p> E4 Project DVD http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=38 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:37:45 +0000 One of the other outcomes of the E4 project was a 14 minute DVD. I've divided it up into five parts and posted in on YouTube, so you can look at it in parts below; <p> <h3>Part 1</h3> <object width="250" height="200"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aKvZX5mOTEc"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aKvZX5mOTEc" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" width="250" height="200"> </embed> </object> <h3>Part 2</h3> <object width="250" height="200"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NVjvGq6ir9w"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NVjvGq6ir9w" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" width="250" height="200"> </embed> </object> <h3>Part 3</h3> <object width="250" height="200"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d9sxuT63FMI"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d9sxuT63FMI" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" width="250" height="200"> </embed> </object> <h3>Part 4</h3> <object width="250" height="200"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jiux9z8&#002d;cng"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jiux9z8&#002d;cng" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" width="250" height="200"> </embed> </object> <h3>Part 5</h3> <object width="250" height="200"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S38TA_3RFVg"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S38TA_3RFVg" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" width="250" height="200"> </embed> </object> Closing of the E4 Project http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=35 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:22:20 +0000 7th of November marked the closing of <a href="http://www.e4project.ie/content/">the E4 project</a>, a project which the School of Computing was co&#002d;operating on with the Central Remedial Clinic, the National Learning Network, the Center for Independent Living, Killester College of Further Education, and Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. The E4 (Education for Employment) project set out to develop pathways to third&#002d;level education for disadvantaged students. In particular by working with post&#002d;Leaving Cert Schools on teaching techniques and technologies that aid learning, the students are able to develop new ways of understanding and comprehension. One of the key outcomes of the project was development of a handbook for "Teaching and Learning in Further and Higher Education" is available electronically as a PDF (so you might want to right&#002d;click and "Save As")<a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/Publications/Contributor/e4/E4handbook.pdf"> here</a>. Games Design Workshop &#002d; Second Date Added! http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=32 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:56:39 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/DIT Computer Games Design Workshop.doc">Download the release form in MS Word format</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/DIT Computer Games Design Workshop.pdf">Download the release form in PDF format</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie/bduggan/downloads/ernest07.pdf">Download the poster</a></p> <p><b>Update:</b> Second date added on 8th December due to overwhelming demand.</p> <p><b>Update:</b> Read the Irish Times article from <a href="http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/finance/2007/1109/1194222937376.html">Friday 9th November</a> on the workshop.</p> <p><b>Like computer games?</b></p> <p>The School of computing has announced that the second annual one day workshop on computer game design for second level students will take place on Saturday 24th November. Last years workshop was attended by over 100 students from more than 11 secondary schools. </p> <p>The workshop which is sponsored by the <a href="http://www.comp.dit.ie">DIT</a>, <a href="http://www.ics.ie">The Irish Computer Society</a> and <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie">Microsoft Ireland</a> is hosted by games industry guru Ernest Adams. Ernest Adams is a freelance game designer, writer, and teacher, working with the International Hobo Design Group. He has been in the game industry since 1989, and is the author of three books, including the university&#002d;level textbook "Fundamentals of Game Design" with Andrew Rollings. Ernest was most recently employed as a lead designer at Bullfrog Productions on the Dungeon Keeper series, and for several years before that was the audio/video producer on the Madden NFL Football line for Electronic Arts. Ernest is also the founder and first chairman of the International Game Developers' Association. </p> <p>This is a day&#002d;long exploration of the basics of the craft of game design, covering core mechanics, gameplay, user interface design, concept art, level design, and even a small story. It begins with a lecture, then challenges you to apply what you've learned to flesh out a new game design concept. The classes will then be divided the into teams and each team will work on a different game idea. At the end of the day, you'll present your results to the group and we'll discuss how they came out. Everything is supplied and there are no pre&#002d;requisites, all you need is a love of games!</p> <p>Participation in the the day is FREE (but space is limited so apply early) and all participations will receive lunch and a DIT tee&#002d;shirt. We will also be raffeling 3 XBOX 360's and loads of XBOX 360 games!</p> <p> To reserve a place for you or your class, please contact Hugh McAtamney:</p> <p><a href="mailto:hmcatamney@comp.dit.ie">hmcatamney@comp.dit.ie</a></p> <p>Phone: + 353 1 4023282</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.chooseit.ie"><img border="0" src="http://www.comp.dit.ie/cgames/images/chooseit_logo_small.gif"></a> <a href="http://www.microsoft.ie"><img border="0" src="http://www.comp.dit.ie/cgames/images/MS%20&#002d;%20ireland.jpg"></a> <br></p> Team Red Dawn takes second place in the Imagine Cup http://www.comp.dit.ie/website07/news.php?id=26 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:32:12 +0100 <p>Team Red Dawn from the DIT School of Computing has taken second place in the international Imagine Cup Web Development competition in Korea last week. The theme of the Imagine Cup this year was to imagine a world where technology enables access to a high quality education for all. The competition has nine categories including web development, software design, algorithms, embedded development, short film and photography. The competition has traditionally attracted the top technology talent from all five continents who create the software of the future. More than 100,000 students from over 100 countries competed in Imagine Cup 2007, the highest&#002d;ever number of contenders. </p> <p>Team members Mohammed Al&#002d;Tahs and Marouf Azad from DT228 (BSc in Computer Science) beat off competition from over 500 students from 155 universities worldwide in a gruelling 24 hour coding marathon. The team developed an online environment that allows teams of students to collaborate on software projects. Their project incorporates an online compiler, code editing and sharing, project management, instant messaging and a work placement finder. The software was developed using Microsoft .Net technology and was a mashup using feeds from Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft Virtual Earth and Google Code Search amongst others. </p> <p>In addition to wining an all expenses paid trip to Korea to compete in the finals, the team also shared a prize of $4000.</p> <p>The Imagine Cup is the world's premier competition for technology students, giving them the chance to unlock their creative genius and build solutions that tackle real&#002d;world issues facing society today.</p> <p>This is an incredible achievement for the team, especially given this is the first year that teams from Ireland have participated in the competition.</p> <p>Imagine Cup, now in its fifth year, challenges students to imagine a better world enabled by their own talent and also to contribute directly to the future of technology, software and computing. Teams develop innovative technological and artistic projects aligned to a social cause each year. </p> <p>France will host Imagine Cup 2008 in Paris where the theme will be "Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment."</p> <p> <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZFlvXPiufNs"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZFlvXPiufNs" type="application/x&#002d;shockwave&#002d;flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> </p> <p>A photo gallery of the Imagine Cup is available <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/skooter500/ImagineCup2007"> here</a></p> <p>Media coverage:</p> <a href = "http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/finance/2007/0811/1186781365069.html">Irish times</a><br> <a href = "http://microsoftireland.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!1024FF975ACC773B!196.entry">Microsoft Ireland</a><br> <a href="http://www.enn.ie/article/91472.html">Electronic news network</a><br> <a href="http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100019547&docId=l:653398214&start=4">Lexisnexis</a><br> <a href="http://www.irishdev.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=5683">Irishdev.net</a><br> <a href="http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/news.nv?storyid=single8981">Silicon Republic</a><br> <a href="http://www.ddj.com/architect/201800205" >Dr Dobbs Journal</a><br> <a href="http://www.imaginecup.com">Imagine Cup</a><br>