Bridging the Digital Divide: STEP-Based Emerging Technology Outreach for Rural Schools

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The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Student Branch Chapter of the University of Jaffna is organizing a STEP-based emerging technology outreach program titled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Emerging Technology Outreach for Rural Schools”. The event will be held on 29 June 2026 at the Auditorium, Department of Computer Science, University of Jaffna.

This full-day interactive workshop is designed for school students from underserved rural and conflict-affected regions of Sri Lanka, including the island areas of the Jaffna District (Delft, Nainativu, Analaitivu, Eluvaitivu, Karainagar) and the Mullaitivu District. The program aims to bridge the digital divide by introducing students to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics through beginner-friendly, hands-on activities.

Students will participate in demonstrations, group exercises, and practical learning sessions to enhance their technological awareness and problem-solving skills. The initiative also seeks to inspire students to pursue STEM education and technology-related careers, with IEEE student members and undergraduate volunteers serving as mentors and facilitators.

By the end of the program, participants are expected to gain foundational knowledge of emerging technologies, increased confidence in using digital tools, and greater motivation toward higher education and technology-focused career pathways.



  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration



  • Add_To_Calendar_icon Add Event to Calendar
  • University of Jaffna
  • Thirunalvely
  • Jaffna, Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka 40000
  • Building: Auditorium, Department of Computer Science

  • Contact Event Host
  • Chairman (CIS) : +94 772733727 - Miruba Gunaseelan 
    Secretory (CIS) : +94 705748439  - Sachini Weerasinghe 

  • Co-sponsored by IEEE TEMS


  Speakers

Prof. Amirthalingam Ramanan of IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Student Branch Chapter of the University of Jaffna

Topic:

Bridging the Digital Divide: STEP-Based Emerging Technology Outreach for Rural Schools

The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Student Branch Chapter of the University of Jaffna is organizing a STEP-based emerging technology outreach program titled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Emerging Technology Outreach for Rural Schools”. The event will be held on 29 June 2026 at the Auditorium, Department of Computer Science, University of Jaffna.

This full-day interactive workshop is designed for school students from underserved rural and conflict-affected regions of Sri Lanka, including the island areas of the Jaffna District (Delft, Nainativu, Analaitivu, Eluvaitivu, Karainagar) and the Mullaitivu District. The program aims to bridge the digital divide by introducing students to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics through beginner-friendly, hands-on activities.

Students will participate in demonstrations, group exercises, and practical learning sessions to enhance their technological awareness and problem-solving skills. The initiative also seeks to inspire students to pursue STEM education and technology-related careers, with IEEE student members and undergraduate volunteers serving as mentors and facilitators.

By the end of the program, participants are expected to gain foundational knowledge of emerging technologies, increased confidence in using digital tools, and greater motivation toward higher education and technology-focused career pathways

Biography:

Prof. Amirthalingam Ramanan is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southampton, UK, and has established himself as a leading academic in machine learning, computer vision, and deep learning. His research contributions span medical image analysis, object tracking, and AI applications in agriculture and healthcare, combining theoretical innovation with practical impact.

Prof. Ramanan has supervised numerous Ph.D., MPhil, and MSc students, guiding them in advanced areas of artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. He has published extensively in international journals and conferences, strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in global AI research. As a Senior Member of IEEE, he actively supports student mentorship, STEM outreach, and community-centered technological education, playing a pivotal role in advancing AI research and education in the region.

Email:

Address:Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Topic:

Basics of Robotics and Hands-on Activities

Biography:

Industry professionals with experience in Robotics

Address:Sri Lanka






Agenda

  • 08:30 – 09:00: Registration & Welcome

  • 09:00 – 10:30: AI Tools for Learning and Education

  • 10:30 – 10:45: Tea Break

  • 11:00 – 12:30: Demonstrations of AI-powered educational tools

  • 12:30 – 01:00: Lunch Break

  • 01:00 – 03:00: Basics of Robotics and Hands-on Activities

  • 03:00 – 03:15: Tea Break

  • 03:15 – 05:00: Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT)



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