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| Micro-controller Technology - Bringing the future into the classroom |
| Nuriootpa High School commenced its Robotics/Micro-controllers course for the first time this year, under the leadership of myself, John Barkley, an electronics teacher at the school. With help from eLabtronics, an Adelaide based electronics company, and support to get started, myself and a group of twenty Year 10 students started experimenting and building specialised PCB's, which were uniquely manufactured to enhance student learning in the area of PIC (Programmable Integrated Circuit) technology and computer control technology. The students doing the course certainly agree that the benefits associated with building projects that contain PIC "chips" has certainly been enjoyable and not to mention educational! "We have never done anything like this before", said one of the students. "It's good to know that we can learn about Micro-controllers at school. I really enjoy the Micro-controller course, because I'm learning new things, which will be very beneficial in the future." The eLabtronics LEDFun introductory kits allow students to develop enhanced assembly skills, identifiably correct component mounting procedures, advanced soldering techniques and varied testing abilities to create a quality made project, which has eight different functions! "I like the LEDFun project because there is more than one project to do on the one board and it's also very easy to do! It also leads to a job well done," added another student. The students learn the art of PCB manufacture through these smaller projects, which forms an integral part of building Elab628 PCB's. The Elab628 board has revolutionised the way that electronics can be taught within a school. Students are switched on and keen to be involved and so the learning then becomes self-motivating. Project possibilities for this technology are endless and only limited by the student's imagination. One of the parents commented about the course saying, "I think it is fantastic that my son has the opportunity to explore different aspects of electronics, especially robotics. My son is very lucky to be able to experience first hand, this level of technology." Another parent added, "The electronics curriculum offered at Nuriootpa High School is quite varied. My son is enjoying the robotics area because it is fun. He has always had an interest in how things work, so when this opportunity came up he really wanted to do it. He really is enjoying it and I am learning a lot from what he is telling me too. Also, thankyou very much for giving my son this opportunity." Mr. Peng Choo (CEO of eLabtronics) has been a great support person. He has made himself available at any time and his passion for students to learn about this technology and succeed is certainly contagious! The dream has become a reality, so grasp the opportunity with both hands and enjoy the experience. |
| Article by: J. Barkley (Nuriootpa High School - March 2003)
Thanks to the parents and students who gave me an insight into their personal thoughts about this subject too.
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