Girls’ and Boys’ Day was organized by the team of the Equal Opportunity Officer for Women in Science at HNU in collaboration with the Faculties of Health Management and Information Management.
Girls’ Day: Live Coding Project Teaches the Basics of Software Development
During “Girls’ Day,” ten high school students gained exciting insights into the world of programming. Together with a college student, Prof. Dr. Erica Weilemann introduced the MIT App Inventor—a visual programming environment that allowed the participants to dive right into a live coding project. Step by step, they developed an interactive app that displays an image of a cat and makes it meow at the touch of a button. During the course, the students learned the fundamentals of software development: from variables and control elements to processing user input and testing applications.
The second part of the workshop focused on creativity and teamwork: Working in pairs, the students designed and programmed their own apps. The results ranged from a “Truth or Dare” game to an app in which a ball is controlled by moving the smartphone using the gyroscope sensor. The participants demonstrated technical understanding, great creativity, and a strong team spirit.
Boys' Day: A Look at Innovative Technologies for the Healthcare System of the Future
"Boys’ Day" also offered the ten participating students exciting insights into topics relevant to the future. Together with Prof. Dr. Alexander Würfel, they first tested an aging suit that simulates the physical limitations typically associated with old age. This allowed the students to experience firsthand the challenges that can come with aging. Afterward, the participants worked with a student and Prof. Dr. Alexander Würfel to develop ideas for future healthcare scenarios. Among other topics, they discussed the potential of digital technologies in healthcare. The focus was on, for example, AI-powered communication tools for people living alone and the use of exoskeletons to assist with daily activities.
In addition, the students explored the possibilities offered by virtual technologies. Using a Meta Quest headset, they experienced how virtual applications and games can open up new opportunities for participation for older adults or people with health limitations. In this way, the participants gained a new perspective on the future of healthcare and on technological developments that could shape their daily lives in the future.
Upcoming Event for High School Girls: Girls @ HNU Summer Lab
Anyone interested in diving deeper into the world of programming will soon have another opportunity to do so: Through „Girls @ HNU Summer Lab“, HNU offers female students in 10th grade and above (starting in the new school year) a week filled with new ideas, hands-on activities, and the basics of programming. Together with other participants, they can try their hand at coding, work on their own projects, and discover just how versatile computer science can be in practice.
Contact
Magdalena Fremdling
