ODU to Host 33rd Annual Great Computer Challenge Events

March 09, 2018

Junior students collaborate during a past Great Computer Challenge competition.

By Jon Cawley

Old Dominion, WHRO and the Consortium for Interactive Instruction is kicking off the 33rd annual Great Computer Challenge with events March 10 and May 12 at the University.

The annual technology event for Hampton Roads students has grown significantly in its three decades of competition and is now held as two events: a senior challenge, for students from 6th to 12th grades; and a junior challenge, for students from kindergarten to fifth grade.

The competitions, which attract hundreds of Hampton Roads students each year, incudes challenges in graphic design, desktop publishing and presentations, music composition, web design, integrated applications, scientific/non-business programming, object oriented business programming, CAD and video editing visual programming/block coding using Scratch Jr. There is also an internet scavenger hunt and, in 2017, a cyber security component was included that will continue this year.

Doug Streit, director of IT Security and Planning at ODU and an event organizer, said the goal of the Great Computer Challenge is to help students solve real world challenges using technology, and to promote its use and instruction in public schools. He added that the cyber security component was included in recognition of the critical need for a workforce pipeline of cyber security professionals.

"Adding the Cyber Security Challenge to the GCC just made sense," he said. "It is a way to get our middle and high schools motivated to compete, and therefore motivated to learn the 'tools of the trade' of cyber security. It is one part of ODU's multi-faceted approach to cyber security education, with the goal of promoting hands-on experiences."

The Great Computer Challenge will be held at Old Dominion's Webb Center starting at 8 a.m. Winners will be announced at a 2:30 p.m. awards ceremony in the North Cafeteria.

To learn more, including registration deadlines for the May event, visit the Great Computer Challenge website.