Outreach Activities

The Zonal Education Office, Jaffna, in collaboration with the IEEE-CIS-SBC-UoJ, successfully conducted a one-day workshop titled “IoT and AI for ICT Teachers” on 28 June 2025. The workshop took place at the Department of Computer Science, University of Jaffna, and was specifically designed for ICT teachers in the Jaffna Education Zone. The event ran from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring two key sessions. Mr. S. Suthakar (Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, UoJ) led a comprehensive six-hour hands-on session on “IoT Development through Arduino Programming,” offering participants practical exposure to IoT applications and device programming. Prof. A. Ramanan delivered a one-hour session on “Teaching in the Age of Generative AI,” highlighting emerging trends and pedagogical strategies for integrating AI into education. Approximately 40 ICT teachers attended the workshop, gaining valuable insights into both technological advancements and future-ready teaching methodologies.

The Provincial Department of Education of the Northern Province, in collaboration with the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS) Student Branch Chapter of the University of Jaffna, organized a Professional Development Workshop for General Information Technology Teachers from 12 to 13 June 2025. The event was held at the Department of Computer Science, University of Jaffna, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

A total of 100 school teachers from across the Northern Province participated in the workshop. Participants included educators from the Zonal Education offices of Vavuniya (North and South), Mannar, Madhu, Mullaitivu, Thunukkai, Kilinochchi (North and South), Thenmaradchi, Jaffna, Island, Valikamam, and Vadamaradchi.

The following resource persons conducted sessions during the two-day training programme:

DayTimeTopicResource Person
19:00 – 10:40Computer SystemsProf. A. Ramanan &
Dr. E.Y.A. Charles
11:00 – 12:30Computer NetworksDr. K. Thabotharan
12:30 – 13:30Multimedia TechnologiesDr. (Ms.) R. Nirthika
14:00 – 15:30Database Management SystemDr. (Mrs.) B. Mayurathan
16:00 – 17:00Software EngineeringDr. (Ms.) J. Samantha Tharani
29:00 – 10:30Operating SystemProf. M. Siyamalan
10:45 – 12:15Web DevelopmentDr. K. Sarveswaran
12:15 – 13:30AI in EducationDr. T. Kokul
14:00 – 16:40Internet of ThingsMr. S. Suthakar
16:40 – 17:00Panel DiscussionDr. K. Thabotharan
Dr. (Mrs.) B. Mayurathan
Mr. S. Suthakar

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The InnovateHer: STEM Workshop for Secondary School Students, 2025 was successfully conducted to empower and inspire young girls from the northern community, specifically from the Vavuniya North Education Zone, by providing them with foundational knowledge in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. This initiative was supported by a competitive grant worth USD 360 from IEEE WIE Special Funding 2025. Following the successful implementation of this session for the Vavuniya North Education Zone, the programme was organised by the Advisor of the IEEE WIE Student Branch Affinity Group, University of Jaffna, in collaboration with the Vavuniya North Education Zone, with the generous support of the Vavuniya North Zonal Director of Education, Mr. T. Lenin Arivalakan, the ISA Mr. Sivarajah, and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Student Chapter, University of Jaffna. A total of seven schools from the Vavuniya North Education Zone participated in the one-day workshop, held on 31 May 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mahindodaya Technological Laboratory, V/Nedunkerny Maha Vidyalayam.
Around 64 secondary school (Grade 7 to 9) female students received training during the workshop. Prof. A. Ramanan, Department of Computer Science, conducted a three-hour session on “The Role of Generative AI in Education”. Then, Mr. F. R. J. Pulendran Thanushan from Sysco Labs conducted another three-hour session on “Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)”. Participants were provided with refreshments and lunch.
At the end of the programme, students actively engaged in the question-and-answer session and shared feedback based on their experience. The session concluded with a token of appreciation presented to the resource persons by Mr. Sivarajah, ISA, Vavuniya North Education Zone.
 

The Computer Society (CompSoc) successfully hosted its High School Outreach Programme 2025 at V/Nedunkerny Maha Vidyalayam in the Mullaitivu District, engaging 80 students from the Vavuniya North Education Zone in a full-day educational initiative focused on digital literacy and innovation.

Held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the programme introduced participants to key concepts in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), problem-solving, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Through hands-on sessions and interactive activities, students explored real-world applications of technology and developed skills essential for the digital age.

Key topics included:

  • Introduction to ICT and the IT Field: An overview of computers, the internet, and the role of technology in modern careers.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Strategies for tackling real-world issues, including how generative AI tools can enhance critical thinking.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Basics of AI and its growing influence across industries, featuring practical sessions with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Leonardo, and Runway ML.
  • Cybersecurity: Core principles for staying safe online and safeguarding digital information.

The day concluded with student presentations, where teams identified real-life problems and proposed tech-based solutions. The top-performing team was awarded for their creativity, practical thinking, and presentation skills. The event marked a significant step in inspiring the next generation of tech-savvy innovators and fostering interest in future ICT careers.

Flyer

The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS) High School Outreach Programme 2025 successfully introduced high school students to the fundamentals of the Internet of Things (IoT) using Arduino and explored the role of Generative AI in Education. This initiative was supported by a competitive grant from IEEE CIS, USA.

The first session, organized in collaboration with the Department of Education, Northern Provincial Council, was held on 13 March 2025 at the University of Jaffna’s Department of Computer Science. Nine schools from the Vadamaradchy Education Zone participated in the one-day workshop, themed “Explore the Future of Technology”: The participating schools included: J/Hartley College, J/Methodist Girls’ High School, J/Nelliady Central College, J/Uduppiddy American Mission College, J/Uduppiddy Girls’ College, J/Uduthurai Maha Vidyalayam, J/Vadamaradchy Central Ladies’ College, J/Vadamaradchy Hindu Girls’ College, and J/Vigneswara College.

A total of 100 participants, including ICT teachers and G.C.E. (A/L) students received hands-on training. Sessions were conducted on “Generative AI in Education” and “IoT and Arduino Programming.” The programme concluded with a smart device design competition, where the top three teams received prizes.

Gallery

Flyer (1)

The IEEE¬ Computational Intelligence Society (CIS) High School Outreach Programme 2025 successfully introduced high school students to the fundamentals of the Internet of Things (IoT) using Arduino and explored the role of Generative AI in Education. This initiative was supported by a competitive grant from IEEE CIS, USA.

The second session, organised in collaboration with the Department of Education, Northern Provincial Council, was held on 31 March 2025 at the University of Jaffna’s Department of Computer Science.

Thirteen schools from the Thenmaradchy Education Zone participated in the one-day workshop, themed “Explore the Future of Technology”: The participating schools included:

  • J/Chavakachcheri Hindu College,
  • J/Chavakachcheri Ladies College,
  • J/Drieberg College, Chavakachcheri,
  • J/Kachchai Maha Vidyalayam,
  • J/Kaithady Nunavil G.T.M. School,
  • J/Kodikamam Thirunavukkarasu Central College,
  • J/Madduvil Kamalasani Vidyalayam,
  • J/Manthuvil Sri Bharathy Vidyalayam,
  • J/Meesalai Veerasingam Central College,
  • J/Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam,
  • J/Usan Ramanathan Maha Vidyalayam,
  • J/Varany Central College, and
  • J/Vidathatpalai Kamalasany Vidyalayam.


A total of 100 participants, including ICT teachers and G.C.E. (A/L) students, received hands-on training. Sessions were conducted on “AI-Powered Teaching and Learning” and “IoT and Arduino Programming.” The programme concluded with a smart device design competition, where the top three teams received prizes.

Flyer

The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS) High School Outreach Programme 2025 successfully introduced high school students to the fundamentals of Internet of Things (IoT) using Arduino through hands-on training and the role of AI-Powered Teaching and Learning. This initiative was supported by a competitive grant from IEEE CIS, USA.

The third session, organised in collaboration with the Department of Education, Northern Provincial Council, was held on 18 April 2025 at the University of Jaffna’s Department of Computer Science.

A total of fourteen schools from the Valikamam Education Zone participated in the one-day workshop titled “Explore the Future of Technology”. The participating schools included:

  1. J/Arunothaya College,
  2. J/Chankanai Sivaprakasa Maha Vidyalayam,
  3. J/Ilavalai Convent Maha Vidyalayam,
  4. J/Manipay Hindu College,
  5. J/Manipay Ladies College,
  6. J/Manipay Memorial English School,
  7. J/Pandatharipu Girls’ High School,
  8. J/Pannakam Meihandan Maha Vidyalayam,
  9. J/Ramanathan College,
  10. J/Sandilipay Hindu College,
  11. J/Skandavarothaya College,
  12. J/Vaddu Hindu College,
  13. J/Victoria College, and
  14. J/Vayavilan Central College.

Around 100 participants, including ICT teachers and G.C.E. (A/L) students, received training during the workshop. Prof. A. Ramanan led a one-and-a-half-hour session on “Generative AI in Education: Promise, Practice, and Peril,” while Mr. S. Suthakar led a six-hour session on “IoT and Hands-on Arduino programming“.  The programme concluded with a smart device design competition, where the top three teams received prizes.

Flyer (3)

The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS) High School Outreach Programme 2025 successfully introduced high school students to the fundamentals of Internet of Things (IoT) using Arduino through hands-on training and the role of AI-Powered Teaching and Learning. This initiative was supported by a competitive grant worth USD 2,900 from IEEE CIS, USA.

The fourth session organised in collaboration with the Department of Education, Northern Provincial Council, was held on 10 June 2025 at the University of Jaffna’s Department of Computer Science. A total of six schools from the Island Education Zone participated in the one-day workshop titled “Explore the Future of Technology”. The participating schools included:

  1. J/Karainagar Hindu College
  2. J/Kayts St. Mary’s R.C. Girls’ Vidyalayam
  3. J/Pungudutivu Central College
  4. J/St. Anthony’s College. Kayts
  5. J/Velanai Central College
  6. J/Yarlton College, Karainagar

Around 100 participants, including ICT teachers and G.C.E. (A/L) students, received training during the workshop. Prof. A. Ramanan led a two-hour session on “AI in the Classroom,” while Mr. S. Suthakar led a six-hour session on “IoT and Hands-on Arduino programming”.  Participants were also provided with refreshments and lunch. At the end of the programme, participation certificates were distributed to students and teachers.

26-Women Ideation Workshop

The IEEE Women in Engineering Student Branch Affinity Group of the University of Jaffna and WEHub by Yarl IT Hub organised the Women Innovators Ideation Workshop on Thursday, 17th October 2024, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Kalam by Yarl IT Hub was a resounding success! Women from diverse backgrounds (Agriculture, Education, Medical, Technology, Entrepreneurship) came together for a day filled with learning, collaboration, and hands-on innovation.

Participants gained practical knowledge on finding a problem, researching information, brainstorming ideas into reality, developing prototypes, and testing and evaluating the model through stakeholder feedback. They also had the opportunity to connect with like-minded women passionate about innovation!

Website

Seminars to recap ICT subjects – August 2018

The Computer Society (COMSOC) of the DCS has conducted four seminars to recap ICT subjects and past examination papers for those students who are going to sit for the G.C.E. (A/L) to be held in August 2018. The seminars were conducted on the following dates and venues:

SeminarDateEducational ZoneCentre#Students Participated
114/07/2018JaffnaDCS@UoJ74
214/07/2018AralaganwilaVilayaya Central College20
315/07/2018MullaithivuPuthukkudiyiruppu Central College20
416/07/2018AnuradhapuraAnuradhapura Central College20

Members of DCS and the student participants highly appreciate this activity of the COMSOC.

Workshop – 16th of July 2017

The Computer Society (COMSOC) of the Department of Computer Science (DCS), University of Jaffna conducted two parallel workshops one in Mulliyavalai and another one in Polonnaruwa to recap ICT subjects and past examination papers to the G.C.E. (A/L) students. The workshop was held on 16th of July 2017 from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm in the following centres:

  1. Mullaithivu Educational Zone held in Vidyananda College, Mulliyavalai
  2. Polonnaruwa Centre held in Vilayaya Central College

In each of the two centres around 40 students have participated and have highly appreciated the activity of the COMSOC@DCS.

Introductory Seminars on Website Development for School Students

Introductory Seminars on Website Development for School Students was conducted by the Computer Society, University of Jaffna, at the following schools:

  • [29/06/2012] Jaffna Zonal
    • Jaffna Central College
    • Jaffna Hindu Ladies College
    • Puththoor Somaskanda Vidyalayam.
  • [02/07/2012] Valikaamam Zonal
    • J/Manipay Hindu Ladies College
    • J/Vaddu Hindu College
    • J/Ramanathan Hindu Ladies College
    • J/Mallakam Maha Vidyalayam
  • [05-07-2012] Vadamaraadchi Zonal
    • J/Nelliyadi Maththiya Maha Vidyalayam
    • J/Methodist Girls’ High School
    • J/Uduppiddi American Mission Girls College
  • [10/07/2012] Thenmaraadchi Zonal
    • J/Kathaithady Muththukumarasuvamy Maha Vidyalayam
    • J/Chanvakachcheri Hindu College
    • J/Kodikamam Thirunavaukarasu Vidyalayam
  • [06-07-2012] Island Zonal
    • J/Velanai Central College
    • J/St.Antoneys’ College, Kayts
    • J/Yarlton College, Karainagar

Website development using Joomla

Hands-on Practical for School Teachers on Website Development using Joomla was conducted by the Computer Society, University of Jaffna, in the following schools:

  • [31/07/2012] Puloly Computer Resource Center
  • [01/08/2012] Sanmarka Maha Vidyalayam
  • [06/08/2012] Velanai Computer Resource Center
  • [07/08/2012] Puloly Computer Resource Center
  • [08/08/2012] Inuvil Hindu College
  • [08/08/2012] Chankanai Sivapirakasa Vidyalayam
  • [09/08/2012] Jaffna Computer Resource Center
  • [10/08/2012] Sanmarka Maha Vidyalayam
  • [15/08/2012] Chavakachcheri Ladies College
  • [15/08/2012] Kaithady Resource Center

GIT

Number of Participants: 100
Conducted Centres: Jaffna, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Mannar.
Period Conducted: 15 August 2003 – 25 August 2003.
Organized By: Ministry of Human Resources Development Education & Cultural Affairs.
Funded By: World Bank.

Topics

  1. Introduction
  2. Fundamentals of IT
  3. Mathematics for Computing
  4. Information Systems and IT
  5. Computer Programming
  6. Use of Computer Software
  7. IT and National Development

TETD

Number of Participants: 108
Conducted Centre: University of Jaffna, Jaffna.
Period Conducted: October – December 2003.
Organized By: Ministry of Human Resources Development Education & Cultural Affairs.
Funded By: World Bank.

Topics

  1. Introduction to IT
  2. Computer System
  3. Microsoft® Windows® XP
  4. Word Processing (MS Word)
  5. Presentation Application (MS Power Point)
  6. Spreadsheet Application (MS Excel)
  7. Database Management System (MS Access)
  8. Operating System
  9. Educational Software
  10. Information Networks
  11. Use of Internet for Educational Purpose
  12. Use of Information and Communication Technology in classroom
  13. Computer Security
  14. Computer Troubleshooting and Maintenance

ICT

Number of Participants: 140
Conducted Centres:

Batches 1 – 3 & 11:  J/Vembadi Girls’ High School
Batches 4 – 10:       J/Hindu Ladies College
Batch 12:                  J/Jaffna Hindu College

Period Conducted: December 2003-2004 (42 hrs Lectures & 42 hrs Practicals).
Organized By: Ministry of Human Resources Development Education & Cultural Affairs.
Funded By: World Bank.

Topics

  1. Introduction to Computers
  2. Graphical User Interface(Windows)
  3. Word Processing (MS Word)
  4. Presentation Application (MS PowerPoint)
  5. Spreadsheet Application (MS Excel)
  6. Finding Information through the Internet and Email
  7. Classification of Software
  8. Computer as a Tool for Education

MRTC

Number of Participants: 20
Conducted Centre: City Hall, University of Jaffna, Jaffna.
Period Conducted: September 2004.
Organized By: Ministry of Human Resources Development Education & Cultural Affairs.
Funded By: World Bank.

Topics

  1. Introduction to Computers
  2. Graphical User Interface(Windows XP)
  3. Word Processing (MS Word)
  4. Presentation Application (MS PowerPoint)
  5. Spreadsheet Application (MS Excel)
  6. Finding Information through the Internet and Email