School Robodance Final

Photo Collage by Dundoo

Yesterday saw 6S present their robotics projects, competing against each other for the priviledge of representing St. Michael’s at the Diocesan Robodance Challenge in a fortnight’s time at Bede Polding College. This morning they shared their work with CEO staff who have been leading the robotics pilot in several schools this year including St. Michael’s.

The buzz inside the library yesterday was phenomenal. Given Andrew’s work in supporting the project, 6E came along to watch as well, and were immediately hooked. Also impressed with the students’ achievements were the many 6S parents who attended, as well as staff from Nagle College.

As an “outsider” myself to this project, it was not difficult to see the rich learning that had taken place. The technology skills, the implementation of the design and make process, the evaluation and self-assessment, the teamwork, visualisation, critical thinking and problem solving all came together yesterday in displays that have the made the students (and will make the school) very proud.

The learning hasn’t stopped, however. The students are still seeing how they can improve before they take their robots to the final. Technical glitches still popped up on the day that they want to iron out. Nathan will provide them with extra time and support on Friday, as will Nicole Sprainger from CEO who is going to visit again to provide assitance with preparing the music backing tracks. Then, if we can find time, we’re going to try and get 6S to take the video Andrew recorded yesterday, edit it, and prepare it for uploading for sharing on the Internet.

The results so far and the achievements the students have made have been phenomenal. Congratulations to them, and to the whole support team – Angela, Andrew, Nathan and the pilot project team at CEO. As far as pilots go, this one can definitely be chalked up as a resounding success!