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Dr Dolf Steyn is a freelancer that has implemented Learning Management Systems while at Deloitte Consulting, developed software at BB&A, changed learning modules into fully on-line offerings, wrote manuals, taught Project mangement, Systems design, Critical thinking, multiple management subjects and yet a few others while also supervising M & D students. He has served on commissions and advisory boards and has worked internationally, mostly on Higher Education related projects. Previously he served as director for teaching and learning with technology and later as MD and campus director for a multi campus private university. Right now he is busy with a piece of BA and process design work for TUT on a new on-line Masters degree.

Consequently, he has a broad base of understanding of systems requirements, design, implementation and the related user and management challenges.

Keynote title: Is big data a DNA or a diet problem? Either way it does not fit comfortably yet. 

A story about dogs & tails, forests & trees and the underutilisation of mathematical prowess. The unprecedented growth in the fields of IS and CS results in a myriad of sub-disciplines that need to seamlessly interact to serve the needs of an ever more entitled user populous.  Artificial intelligence and robotics, Big data analytics, Computer-assisted education, Bioinformatics and Cyber security are quoted in a Harvard business review as the top 5 trends in the field for 2019.  While the usability and impact of each of these are typically dealt with extensively, the “why” is often buried under multiple layers of “how”. This talk does not intend to propose absolute answers, but aims to raise awareness and alignment in focus.

Slides for AWS Educate workshop

Overview of AWS Educate program

AWS Academy overview

AWS Academy flyer

AWS team

Thandi Majola - SA representative

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Christina Cole - AWS Educate

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Jenni Jones - AWS Academy

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Philani Mkhize

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Three workshops will be offered on the Monday morning before the main conference. Please register for a workshop during the online registration process. Also indicate if you will require an extra night accomodation for Sunday (no dinner, breakfast included) @ R1450.00.

1. Academic Writing for Junior Informaticians / Computer Scientists (09h00-12h00)

Participation-condition: Pre-Doc, i.e. not yet having obtained a PhD, and being of junior age (under 30).

Every participant will bring along a draft-paper. Mini-groups of participants will then sit together, criticise the draft, papers, and mutually suggest improvements.

All participants must also bring along with them a laptop and a copy of the book "Writing for Computer Science" by Justin Zobel, either on paper or as e-book on a Laptop computer. The book is available for free on the internet.

Presenter: Professor Gruner, who is an experienced academic writer, will act as 'facilitator' and will moderate the group-discussions among the juniors.

2. South African Computer Accreditation Board - SACAB (10h00-11h00)

Update on the documentation requirements for SACAB.

Presenter: Professor Andre Calitz.

3. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate and Academy Programs (09h00 -12h00)

Session Description and Rationale: Cloud computing is transforming the world and creating an overwhelming demand for cloud-proficient employees. AWS Education Programs tackle this need by providing an academic gateway for the next generation of IT and cloud professionals.

AWS Educate and AWS Academy are global programs that provide educational institutions, educators, and students with resources to develop cloud-computing skills and prepare students to enter a cloud technology-enabled workforce. The workshop will comprise of an overview of AWS Education Programs, followed by addressing any questions raised by workshop participants. Participants will also be provided with a high level sign on and onboarding guide to AWS Education Programs.

Presenter: Ms Thandi Majola