Club experiments with Xbox-gaming technology

By Amanda Phipps

phippsa@mytjnow.com

Students offer computer help sessions, work with video-gaming technology and learn from professionals in Winthrop’s Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter, said Mike Wingard, junior computer science major and club president.

ACM is an international organization dedicated to advancing scientific and educational purposes, according to the Winthrop ACM chapter website. The student chapters serve to allow students to take a more active role in the association.

The group has advanced programs for computer science majors or people who have a background in computer technology, Wingard said. However, the group also includes anyone interested in computers through game nights and other programs.

“Not all of us are on the same level, and some members aren’t computer science majors,” he said. “(At game night) last year, we had a blast.”

In the future, the club wants to do more collaborative projects with other groups on campus, Wingard said.

“We want to expose members to other parts of the field,” he said. “We want the chance for students to do research in the computer science department.”

Wingard said the group also plans to work with groups such as STARS Leadership Corp., do volunteer work and tutor. The group wants to provide students with technology news and networking opportunities by inviting professionals to speak.

 “Our mission is to bring people and technology closer to each other,” he said. “It is a good way to get an internship.”

The club also experiments with technology, such as that used in video-gaming systems, Wingard said. The group experimented with the software used in Microsoft’s X-Box Kinect system, which recognizes players and allows them to control their own movements in the game. 

The group is looking at how this technology may be used in operating systems such as Linux to allow people to interact with computers through gestures. 

The Kinect technology code is available for the public and is free to use and modify, said Jeries Armaly, junior computer science major and club vice president. 

The club helps students of every major learn more about computers, he said. 

“Linux runs the business world,” Armaly said. “Computers run the economy, and we need to know about them for the future.”

Right now, the group is looking for more members and to expand its involvement on campus, he said. He said the group wants some science majors to join because their techniques would help them with projects.

“We want some recognition for the club,” Armaly said. “Any major is welcome.”

He said the group is open to suggestions.

“We want to do what you want to do, and share knowledge of technology,” Armaly said. “Technology is the future.”