RCC programs team up to teach local elementary students about robots
Guy B. Teachey Elementary School students Carlos Martinez, left, and Ezra Denton team up to lift a water bottle with their robotic arms.
Things got a little more automated at Asheboro City and Uwharrie Charter Academy’s elementary schools recently as Randolph Community College’s Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) Apprentices and Early Childhood Education (ECE) students visited local classrooms Thursday, Nov. 16, to teach all about robots. Students were read “Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete” by James Dean, got to try their hand at a robotic arm made of Legos, and then made their own robotic arm out of popsicle sticks.
“This initiative highlights the technical prowess of our IMT apprentices and showcases the dedication and creativity of our ECE students in making learning a fun and memorable experience,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Collaborative efforts like these not only bridge the generation gap but also foster a love for learning and exploration. I commend our students for their enthusiasm, commitment, and for being positive role models for the younger generation. Such outreach initiatives contribute to the community and exemplify the spirit of education as a shared and transformative experience. We are committed to education, innovation, and community engagement.”
Funded by a mini-grant from the RCC Foundation, the idea came about as a tie-in to National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 13-19) and a way for the IMTs to celebrate. Business and Applied Technologies Associate Dean Amanda Byrd turned the event into a lesson on the social responsibility companies have to serve their community as part of the apprentices’ work-based learning class. The ECE department used the joint project as a way to hone students’ classroom skills.
“A big part of the IMT program is teaching ‘professional behaviors’ or the soft/employability skills of which communication is key,” Dean of Curriculum Programs Melinda Eudy said.
IMT Neil Rice demonstrates how the Lego robotic arm works at Uwharrie Charter Elementary School students.
“This project had the apprentices introducing themselves and speaking, reading, and interacting with an audience of second, third, and fourth graders. The IMTs got to not only practice their communication skills, but also, hopefully, pique the next generation’s interest in automation and manufacturing.”
To get an idea of how well the project went, cries of “That is so cool!” and “Look!” could be heard as students worked the Lego arm and picked up objects with their newly made robotic arms. One student stated that under no circumstances was she going to show her robotic arm to her 3-year-old brother because he might take or break it.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.