A recent teacher-training workshop held at Denison College in Kelso gave teachers in the Central West the opportunity to learn the basics of robotic programming using LEGO EV3 Robots and LEGO Mindstorms software.

The workshop was part of Macquarie’s LEAP-links program, a program that works to build the participation of students from under-represented communities in higher education, and provide professional development to teachers across NSW.

Ruth Tregale, Manager for Widening Participation (Social Inclusion) said the University supported the LEAP-links program in order to improve educational opportunities for rural and regional students.

“We recognise the additional barriers facing students and teachers in rural and remote areas, including access to resources and teacher professional development, and we are specifically taking this fun program to these areas in order to provide schools with the same opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts,” said Ruth.

Ruth says robotics provides a highly engaging medium for creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, four essential skills for learning and information, communication and technology (ICT) within the curriculum.

Each school participating in the training program are offered the loan of a LEGO EV3 Robotics Kit for one term to use within the classroom, with each kit valued at $10,000.

These kits include 15 LEGO EV3 Robots, teacher resources and a 1.5 hr lesson taught by a qualified robotics trainer via Connected Classrooms video conferencing.

Learn more about LEAP Programs.