Fun, sun and robots: IU summer technology workshop for teens
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana high school students with an interest in computer technology, programming, or networking can work side by side with IU technology professionals to build a robot during a hands-on workshop sponsored by the Community Outreach Program of Pervasive Technology Labs (PTL) at Indiana University.
Network security researchers from the Advanced Network Management Lab will lead the second annual PTL Summer Technology Workshop, which will introduce teens to the field of high-speed network research and cybersecurity. Using a kit from the LEGO® Mindstorms® series, workshop participants will build a wireless network-controlled robot. The program will introduce terms and concepts relating to network control and security. Participants will learn how those concepts can be applied to the robot for legitimate purposes, and also how an illegitimate user might use the network to attempt to gain malicious control of the robot. Participants will learn how network security professionals work to identify, stop, and prevent similar types of malicious activity.
"We've designed the program to introduce young Hoosiers with an interest in technology to basic networking and security concepts in a way that is hands-on and fun," said Gregory Travis, assistant director of the Advanced Network Management Lab. "We also hope to show some of the ways they might translate that interest and aptitude into a solid and exciting future career."
The workshop takes place on Thursday, June 26, from 10am to 3pm, at the Showers Building, 501 N. Morton St., Bloomington, Indiana. Registration is open to Indiana high school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years this fall. Space is limited to 12 students.
More information and detailed registration instructions can be found at www.pervasive.iu.edu/outreach.
About the Pervasive Technology Labs
Pervasive Technology Labs at Indiana University (pervasive.iu.edu), established in 1999 by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., performs leading-edge research based on the ubiquity of information technology in today's world, creating new inventions, devices, and software that extend the capabilities of information technology in advanced research and everyday life. Fundamental to its mission are efforts to attract, encourage, educate, and retain Indiana's workforce of tomorrow, and to accelerate economic growth in the State through the commercialization of new inventions and by forming and supporting new start-up companies. In carrying out its mission, Pervasive Technology Labs is helping Indiana University maintain its position of international leadership in information technology research and, as a result, is helping to enhance the prosperity of the entire State of Indiana.
