WEBFALA DIGITAL EMPOWERS KWARA TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WITH E-STEM AND ROBOTIC TRAINING
The Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative (WDSFaI), a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to advancing digital literacy and innovation in Nigeria, recently conducted an E-STEM (Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and robotics training program for teachers in Kwara State.
The WDSFaI training program, conducted yesterday at Noktel Hotel in Ilorin, brought together 60 Information Technology (IT)-inclined educators from various schools across Kwara state. The participants actively participated in hands-on sessions and collaborative projects, gaining practical insights into the realms of E-STEM and robotics education.
Micheal Joseph, a Robotics specialist leading the training, familiarized the participating teachers with the realm of robotics. He provided insights into the fundamental software and hardware devices employed in robotics, such as LCDs, motors, and sensors.
Equipped with both theoretical understanding and practical skills, the teachers successfully designed and constructed autonomous robots, including an LED Light bar, intruder alarm, voice-controlled LED, ultrasonic robot, and temperature monitoring system. They utilized Arduino Uno, a micro-controller platform, along with readily available materials.
Commenting on the significance of integrating robotics into STEM education, Joseph emphasized that technology skills, including coding and robotics, have the transformative potential to impact the world.
He emphasized the significance of fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in young students to prepare them for the future of work.
In her earlier remarks, Bakare Nafisat, the executive director of the Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, highlighted that the training program specifically targeted educators with limited knowledge of E-STEM and Robotics. It was crafted to equip them with essential technical and practical knowledge necessary for seamlessly integrating E-STEM and Robotics into their classroom teaching.
Bakare explained that following the training, the teachers are expected to impart the knowledge and skills they’ve gained to their students.
She further revealed that, as part of efforts to promote Robotics education in Kwara, her organization had identified 17 schools in the State to receive complimentary robotic kits. These kits would be accompanied by specialized training sessions for their students, provided at no cost.
“Additionally, we will be hosting a 4-weekend robotics training program for children aged 9 to 14, commencing on January 27, 2024. This initiative is made possible through the generous support we received from Pratt and Whitney and the North American Association for Environmental Education. We extend our gratitude to them for their steadfast contributions to this program. It is through their collaboration that we are poised to equip schools with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and competencies for an innovative and sustainable future.”
Our aim with this project is to introduce young students to Robotics and equip with them knowledge and skills to solve problems through computational thinking and practical approach using robots. This project connects students with hands-on learning activities that will enable them to develop technical and problem-solving skills. At our organization, we believe that every child deserves an opportunity to be empowered and excel in this technology and innovation-driven world.
“Since its establishment in 2018, our organization has trained thousands of teachers, students and women in variety of STEM skills including web development, data analysis, graphics design, product design, among others,” she said
One of the educators who took part in the robotics training, Mr. Kareem Aduagba of Ethical College, Ilorin, conveyed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to pass on the skills and knowledge he acquired to his students.
Another participant, Osundeyi Comfort from Aderoju International Schools, expressed her delight at being chosen to attend the training. She noted that it had enabled her to gain valuable insights into the world of E-STEM and robotics.
Source: Techeconomy
