The University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) first Coding and Robotics Club is ready to inspire South Africa’s future roboteers. With marking the culmination of National Science week, UWC launched a Coding and Robotics Club that will train teachers in coding and robotics, exposing learners to cutting-edge technology.
Also Read: ‘So, you want to go solar?’ – Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis answers your questions
Coding is coming closer to the future innovators living in under-resourced communities near to the University of the Western Cape.
The Science Learning Centre for Africa (SLCA), as an extension of the university’s School of Science and Maths Education (SSME), has launched a Coding and Robotics Club.
With the club’s pilot phase that offers short programmes for teachers in coding and robotics, including eight schools from areas such as Belhar, Mitchell’s Plain, Delft and Khayelitsha are involved in the pilot phase.
Speaking at Saturday’s event, Professor Josef de Beer, Director of the SLCA, said that while South Africa has made great strides in science and technology, more must be done to improve science and mathematics education, as per Tech Finacials.
“We need creative, innovative scientists with entrepreneurial mindsets,” de Beer said.
In addition, de Beers advised teachers to focus on self-directed and problem-based learning, and highlighted that coding and robotics, which will become part of the Department of Basic Education’s national curriculum for the Foundation and Intermediate Phases from 2023, could enhance such self-directed learning.
Furthermore, he explained that the SLCA strives to popularise science by exposing teachers and learners to innovative thinking by commenting: “For example, it provides local schools with an origami-based microscope, the so-called Foldscope microscope, costing only $1, or R17, which teachers can use to do microscopic experiments.”
He added, that this commitment was also echoed by Prof Rajendran Govender, Dean of Education, who mentioned that the Faculty will be moving into a new building later this month, with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure world-class teaching and learning.
In a recording, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vivienne Lawack said that UWC is committed to inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers and ICT specialists. She put emphasis on the fact that the launch coincided with Women’s Day, on 9 August, and urged girls to consider science as a career.
According to statistics, currently only 13% of South African graduates with qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, are women.
While addressing the “future roboteers” from several schools attending the launch, Dr Tony Williams, Curro curriculum manager: science, technology, engineering, art, maths, design/drones (STEAMD), said robotics in South Africa is not only sustainable, it is booming, with innovative technology being used in various fields.
The club is a dream come true for schools in communities without access to robotics and science resources, according to an educator at UWC’s Faculty of Education, Nonhlanhla Shandu-Omukunyi.
She concluded by saying: “The learners from Curro and Khayelitsha, for example, are very far apart. But by joining the club, we can bring them closer.”
Also Read:
“Tech geeks” take on Western Cape Provincial World Robot Olympiad
Picture: Unsplash