Carl reaches for the stars

The emphasis Edge Hill University places on the application of skills and knowledge to real-world situations is again proving a success, with one computing student receiving interest in his work from the National Space Centre in Leicester and the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics in Cheshire.  

Carl Glennon, a third-year BSc (Hons) Computing student, has been working closely with senior lecturer Dr Mark Anderson to develop exciting software that uses the very latest Kinect for Microsoft Xbox 360 camera technology.  

Carl had the idea due to the practical focus of his degree, as he explains, "When we studied the Physical Computing module during the second year, and Dr Anderson explained how the physical world can connect with the digital one, I decided to investigate the possibility of using the Kinect sensor in an educational setting that enabled pupils to learn about the solar system. As open source solar exploration software fitted well with the Kinect hypothesis this led to my planetarium idea and the concept of using an immersive learning environment to engage with children".  

Carl's software allows the Kinect sensor from the Xbox 360 console, along with the software package, to recognise pre-determined gestures made by the user, enabling them to control their own Stellarium Solar exploration on the computer.  

The software is now virtually complete, with a second phase beta version being tested with the National Space Centre, meaning the software should soon be ready for commercial use - something Carl intends to investigate further.  

Carl adds, "Without Dr Anderson's help the project would never have got to this stage, he has always helped me with any problems I have encountered and supported me throughout."  

Dr Anderson believes the success of projects such as Carl's is proof that the practical approach Edge Hill adopts with its Computing and IT courses really benefits students. "Applied projects are an excellent opportunity for students to engage with external parties and gain a true experience of project management and software development," he explains. "Not only do our students expand their technical skills, they also liaise and negotiate with customers, produce project plans and evaluate their products too. All of this is invaluable preparation for entering the workplace and provides our student with a superb addition to their CV that will help them to stand out."  

Dr Anderson explains there are a wide range of student projects taking place at Edge Hill that could have similar potential to Carl's. "This year our students are developing autonomous devices using microcontrollers, creating security mechanisms for USB devices, using Artificial Intelligence techniques to build an intelligent software development system and building mobile applications for Android devices. As we try to match projects to students' interests there never really is a ‘typical' project, but it does lead to some really interesting ideas and exciting possibilities," he concludes.  

For further information about studying Computing and IT at Edge Hill University, visit http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/business