Fontys ICT University of Applied Sciences makes students enthusiastic about technology during the TTT event 2019 in Koepelhal Tilburg.
Broad technology field
Roughly fifty companies and institutions showcased their technology and gave a sneak-peak behind the scenes (including Fontys, Avans, Curio and the Elisabeth Tweesteden Hospital). Their stands were disbursed around the hall, and featured many participatory activities. There was plenty on offer with no fewer than eleven plazas, each with their own topic in the area of science and technology. Transport and Logistics, Automotive, Process Technology, Metal, Construction, Aviation, Installation and Electro-technology , Mechanical electronics, Health Care, Interior, Design and Green. The last named sector was added in 2019. The broad range gives an indication of the richness that the field of technology has to offer.
Social role
Fontys ICT University hereby takes on its social responsibility. Because companies in the region are in dire need of well-trained ICT professionals. And we would like to fulfil that need. During the TTT event, they want make students aware of how dynamic the world of ICT is. Bas van der Horst (age 21) is currently in his 3rd year of ICT & Media Design and is the co-creator of “Beat the Laser” game. Bas is also excited about ICT: "There are so many possible options within ICT, you really need to go discover what fits you best. ICT is so much more than just programming. You create projects that start as concept and are then developed into a prototype. Coding is just one of the many steps involved. It is an incredibly wide field and you can really make an impact on society."
Beat the laser
Beat the laser is an interactive game that provides a total light and sound experience. It involves eight players who follow a pattern of music notes. Every beam has its own specific tone. By passing your hands through the laser beams in the correct order you can reproduce the pattern. These beams are made clearly visible through the use of smoke. The smoke makes the beams vibrant. This is not the first time that Beat the laser has been presented. The project was already exhibited at the GLOW light festival in Eindhoven. And with success. It was one of the very few projects there with such a high level of interaction. The game was also among the last eight finalists at the ICTalent Awards and they also pitched their idea in the Effenaar last May. "It’s a product that we developed in our 2nd year. We are constantly improving and developing it," says Bas.
Creating awareness among children about the impact of ICT
Those in attendance were excited. Elena (age 15) from the Koning Willem II College, found the game fun and challenging. And even though she is not particularly ICT-oriented, she does find it interesting. The teachers were also impressed. "Children are constantly being confronted with the digital age. You can see how important it is that they grow along with it. It’s vital that children become aware of how ICT impacts our daily lives. After all, it’s the future!” Many of the teachers also find it important to attend these kinds of events with their students. “There is, of course, a huge scarcity of technical people."
