Robotics in Education- workshop for teachers

Robotics is that branch of science that includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science amongst others. Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. These technologies are used to develop machines that can be a substitute for humans. Robots can be used in any situation and for any purpose, but today many are used in securing environments (including bomb detection and de-activation), manufacturing processes, or where humans cannot survive. Robots can take on any form. Some are even made to resemble humans in appearance!

On 26th November 2016, a workshop on Robotics in Education was attended by Ms. Archana Raichandani (Physics faculty) and Ms. Nitu Kumari ( computer science faculty) at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida. The theme of the event was Robo Programming which was based on GUI chip/kit designing. This technology is mainly used in virtual reality, touch and smart devices. The resource persons for the day were: 1. Amber Habib (HoD Maths), Director IIIMIT, Shiv Nadar University and 2. Dr. Prabha Gupta, CDEAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)

The session had the following highlights: Role of Robotics in Education Robo Expo showcasing types of Robo printers, Robo drawings and Robo games, to name a few. Where do Robots fit in? An opportunity to re-imagine situations and solutions. A tool for exploring rule based approaches. Actively developing the technology not only passively using the same. For Promoting teamwork High level of interaction

The goals of robotics in education were also highlighted, including the goals To develop independent thinkers To enhance intellectual skills To deal with difficult challenges To encourage students to work with streams Maths, Physics and Computer Science simultaneously to achieve their set goals

Challenges faced while learning Robotics: Absence of concrete steps Rote learning Knowing the students actual capability Starting with the problems not with the technique to solve the problems

Various initiatives taking forward the implementation of Robotics education in schools: E-Yantra by IIT Bombay, sponsored by HRD Softwares: Mathematica, Maxima Robotics Club sponsored by the government at the National Science Centre

During the session, various economical robo kits such as the Digo and Ardino were made available to beginners. These were very useful as school students can be introduced to basic robo programming skills using these kits.

Ms. Nitu Kumari (Computer Science Department).