More than 12 800 entries were received from over 350 schools for the second round of the Computer Applications Olympiad, an initiative that seeks to nurture and reward computer application skills in high school students.
UniForum SA, the organisation that maintains the co.za domain registry, through its 'Co.Za Cares' corporate social investment programme, sponsors the event. The South African Computer Olympiad Trust, an organisation established by the Computer Society of SA (CSSA) specifically to promote and administer the annual South African Computer Olympiad, manages the event.
Participants must be confident users of common application tools, such as word processing, spreadsheets and database software.
“We require participants to use what they have learned in ways they were never taught,” says Peter Waker, manager of the Olympiad and director of CSSA.
The Computer Applications Olympiad was introduced last year, and drew more than 6 000 registrations, including from schools in disadvantaged areas.
Waker says the high number of entries reflects a growing awareness in South African schools about the importance of ICT applications in a technology-driven workplace.
Fiona Wallace, director of UniForum SA, adds that her organisation is pleased by the number of entries the competition has attracted from schools throughout the country.
“Sponsoring the Olympiad fits in perfectly with UniForum SA's focus on advancing ICT in education,” says Wallace.
Thirteen of the best performers will take part in the final round, to be held at the University of Cape Town, on 4 October. An awards ceremony will take place on 5 October. All expenses for the trip will be covered.
Share