Students Gain Experience in Computer Science Technology at Gardner-Webb Camp

Sponsored by Stonecutter Foundation, Topics Include Artificial Intelligence, Programming and 3D Printing

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Madelyn Hicks, a high school junior, proudly held out the decorative cup she made with a 3D printer. A participant in the Stonecutter Foundation Computer Science Camp at Gardner-Webb University, she shared how she created the object and learned about 3D animation.  

“It turned out really well,” Hicks observed as she examined her bright yellow container. “I absolutely love computer science.”

Her group had just finished programming and flying their drone, and they were watching the other students. As she waited, Hicks talked about why she wanted to attend the camp. “I’m in between like two majors currently for what I want to do in college,” offered Hicks, who lives near Grover, N.C. “Computer science is one of them, and I wanted to get more experience with it.”  

A group of 15 students are attending the weeklong program. The camp is designed to introduce students in grades seven through 12 to computer science technology. Gardner-Webb computer science professor Dr. Mirek Mystkowski starts by teaching the basics and then delving into the specifics of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, social networking, mobile networking and big data.  

DaKyra Johnson and MeKhi Fowlkes, both of Henderson, N.C., were still flying their drone using a program called Tynker. Choosing a set of commands, they created flight patterns—up, down, backwards, flip, and other movements. Johnson said operating the drones had been the best activity of the camp, and Fowlkes said he also liked the 3D printing.  

Besides learning about drones and printing 3D objects, the students created either a video game or computer animated film with a program called Alice.  

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.