The proof and value of technical knowledge is how it can be used to develop new products, improve existing products, devise and perfect processes that generate economic growth, and contribute directly to a better life and a more vibrant society.
Increasingly, the federal and provincial governments recognize this and advocate on behalf of more and better technical programs and research applicable to real-world situations.
Conestoga College students from more than a dozen degree, diploma and postgraduate programs will demonstrate and explain their comprehensive projects at an event called Tech@Work -- a trade show/information fair format -- on Tuesday, May 4 at the Library Resource Centre (LRC), located at the Doon campus in Kitchener.
The time on May 4 is 3-6 p.m., and Tech@Work is open to the public, free of charge. One key purpose of the event is for employers to see what these students can do, and to encourage dialogue between the two groups. Students will be on hand to explain and demonstrate their projects, and to answer questions.
A wide range of Conestoga technical programs will be featured, including fields such as architecture/construction engineering, civil engineering, telecommunications, health informatics, software engineering, computer programming and analysis, electrical engineering, automated manufacturing and woodworking. More than 100 students will participate, showcasing more than 30 projects. The hallmark of these projects is teamwork -- in planning, designing, creating, testing and documenting.
Examples of projects include: a 50-unit retirement residence located in Uptown Waterloo; a sewer and road reconstruction plan for the Oxford County village of Embro; a professional photo service website that integrates photo proofs, selection, ordering and billing; a real-time system that monitors medication use and sends alerts as well as recording for caregivers any deviation from the prescribed regimen; a virtual hospital to serve as a clinical education tool; an online system that allows users to communicate via American Sign Language with people who do not know ASL; and a multiplayer simulation game involving intergalactic combat scenarios.
All projects are student-developed and student-produced, and reflect a full integration of skills gained during their years of study and co-op experiences in business and industry. The projects are student-driven in all aspects: concept, research, feasibility studies, consultation with professionals in the field, development, problem identification and resolution, costing and budget development, production and full documentation.
More information about Tech@Work can be found at techatwork.conestogac.on.ca.
CONTACT: Robin Carmichael, 519-748-5220, ext. 2310, rcarmichael@conestogac.on.ca