EFFAT TEAM IS FINALIST IN MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP 2007 SOFTWARE DESIGN COMPETITION

The Effat team that includes senior students Ms.Susan Katamourah and Ms.Hanan Ahmad is one of the six finalists in the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2007 Software Design Tournament that occurred in Saudi Arabia. The team that wins first place will represent Saudi Arabia in the worldwide Competition that will take place in Korea. Microsoft created this tournament to encourage young people to apply their imagination, passion, and creativity to technology innovations that can find solutions to real world issues. The Theme of the 2007 Tournament is Education. Microsoft invited contestants to imagine a

world where technology enables a better education for all. As a reply to Microsoft’s invitation,
Susan Katamourah and Hanan Ahmad entered their senior graduation project that was titled
Computer gate to kids-Computer Literacy into the Imagine Cup 2007 Tournament. The Effat team’s project is a software program that is directed to children between the ages of 7-12. The program that is available in both English and Arabic teaches children about the basic computer components, and instructs them on how to use the Internet and multi-media tools.

Dr.Houria Oudghiri, the Chair of Computer Science and Information Systems departments at Effat College and the Supervisor of Senior Projects in both departments expressed her joy with her students’ achievement in the Imagine Cup 2007. She explained, “Although this competition
offers students the opportunity to compete in nine categories, our students chose to compete in SoftWare Design, the most difficult category in the competition.” According to Dr. Oudghiri, “The Microsoft Imagine Cup challenged our students to present their best capabilities and develop their writing and presentation skills.” Ms.Susan Katamourah a Computer Science senior at Effat College stressed that her application and winning in the contest was a wonderful experience. She stressed, “We decided to create a computer literacy program for children after we discovered from the literature review that there is a dire need for this software in the market.” According to Susan, “The Microsoft Cup developed my research, critical thinking, and presentation skills. I thank Effat College for equipping me with all the skills that enabled me to achieve this accomplishment.” Ms.Hanan Ahmad, an Effat College Information Systems senior explained,” Susan and I would like to enhance our software and provide it to schools, and children centers in Saudi Arabia so that children can be taught to use computers in a simple manner.” For more information, please contact: Dr. Houria Oudghiri Computer Science and Information Systems Effat College PO Box 34689 Jeddah 21478, Saudi Arabia