First Nations School Holds Competitions to Display Learning in Robotics from RoboYOU Program
The results of five months of learning robotics, computer coding and digital literacy skills were shown today in competitions by students at the Cowessess Community Educational Centre.
The games marked the end of the pilot run of Innovation Saskatchewan’s RoboYOU program launched in February 2018, to provide First Nations students in rural communities with exposure to robotics for learning, creating and playing. Eighty-five students from Grades 5-9 in both the Cowessess Community Educational Centre and Chief Kahkewistahaw Community School completed the RoboYOU program, which provided them with experiential learning in programming robotics—giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity, solve problems and enhance their critical thinking skills. Participants in both schools received certificates at the completion of the program.
“Every day, technology is transforming how we live, work and play,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “With so much change happening so quickly, government is working hard to ensure that all children have access to learning the skills of the future and to make them more comfortable with technology as they develop the skills they need to succeed.”
Developed with assistance from the Ministry of Education, various schools as well as science and technology consultants from school divisions in Saskatchewan, one of RoboYOU’s objectives is to expose students to learning and career opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields.
“As Saskatchewan’s technology sector is growing, so too is its need for skilled workers,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “A focus on STEM education is vital and will help prepare students for numerous career opportunities in the province’s future.”
With the completion of the RoboYOU pilot, Innovation Saskatchewan will review the program and determine the next steps going forward.