The Joint Community Projects (JCP) is a compulsory service-learning module for the Engineering, Built Environment and IT (EBIT) Faculty. As a component of its extensive community engagement initiatives, JCP joined forces with Sifiso EdTech to organise the Robotics Holiday Bootcamp, involving 14 students in an educational coding and robotics training camp hosted at the Future Nation Schools-Fleurhof campus.
The Robotics Holiday Bootcamp programme had a clear vision of introducing robotics to public school students through several objectives:
- It aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of robotics, fostering awareness of its potential and applications.
- The programme offered hands-on experience by allowing students to interact directly with robotics components, reinforcing their theoretical knowledge.
- It sought to impart foundational principles of robotics, including the role of coding and the functions of various parts.
- The programme encouraged creativity and innovation by empowering students to work on unique projects, promoting problem-solving and innovative thinking.
- It raised awareness about Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and robotics career paths by involving university students as training assistants.
- Ultimately, the boot camp aimed to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, showcasing its exciting possibilities for future academic and career pursuits.
The collaboration between Sifiso EdTech and the UP's JCP students had mutual benefits:
- It fulfilled the University of Pretoria's (UP's) commitment to community engagement, providing practical teaching experience for UP students while promoting STEM education in the local community.
- The JCP students enhanced their teaching, communication, and leadership skills, enriching their educational journey.
- The boot camp successfully inspired interest in coding, robotics, and STEM subjects among students, aligning with UP's mission to contribute to a knowledge-based society.
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Despite its success, the project faced the following challenges:
- Given varying ages and skill levels, adapting to diverse student needs required creativity and teamwork from the JCP students.
- Teaching complex robotics and coding concepts was made manageable by leveraging the diverse skills of the JCP students.
- Meticulous logistical management was crucial for organising a boot camp for a large group of students and teachers, a challenge overcome through exceptional organisational skills demonstrated by our JCP students.
The collaboration between Sifiso EdTech and the UP's JCP students showcased the power of university-community partnerships. The project achieved its objectives and created a meaningful impact on the local community by fostering STEM interest among students. The JCP students' dedication, adaptability, and professionalism were instrumental in the project's success, and their contributions will continue to benefit future boot camp sessions.
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- Author Dr Lelanie Smith, Senior Lecturer (Head of Community-based Projects) and Bonolo Mokoka (Lecturer: Community-Based Projects)
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