De La Salle University - Manila

1st DLSU Robotics Camp held May 17- 19, 2007

The 3-day 6-hour/day live-out robotics training and competition was intended to generate interest in science and technology through robotics. All activities in the Camp were designed to promote values such as cooperation and teamwork that are indispensable in the workplace as well as in the community.

Twelve 50-minute modules on relevant robotics topics were given on the first two days by five faculty members of the College of Computer Studies. Major topics included basic electronics, robot physics, kinematics, sensors, circuits and C programming. The camp activities culminated in a robotics competition on the third day. Participants programmed E-Gizmo Robots to do line following, maze exploration as well as path traversal using dead reckoning.

The trainers' method of delivery was specially designed for participants who lacked a good grasp of Algebra, Trigonometry, and Physics that is required in the study of robotics. The adapted approach is descriptive, supported by analogies to commonly experienced and easily understood phenomena in everyday life. Learning was reinforced by classroom activities such as guided free discussion in solving a problem and hands-on exploration using hardware and software models.

Participants came from twelve schools all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces:

1. De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Muntinlupa
2. E.M. Castro Educational Foundation, Caloocan
3. Elizabeth Seton School - South, Las Pinas
4. GCF International Christian School, Pasig
5. Jesus the Risen Savior School, Laguna
6. Manila Science High School, Manila
7. Philippine Science High School, Bicol Region
8. Philippine Science High School, Western Visayas
9. Sampaguita High School, Bulacan
10. St. Joseph School, Iloilo
11. St. Stephen's High School, Manila
12. Uno High School, Manila
    

All the participants were very smart, serious about learning and exceptionally hardworking. Many were willing to skip meals to have more time to program the robots well. Most of them have already enrolled in college in their chosen field of specialization. One or two will not be able to continue their education because of financial constraints. They did not profess the same faith, but they prayed with one voice. Moreover, they all exhibited unwavering hope and perseverance as teams in the attainment of their goal. The Camp brought them together from all over the country and through it all, they learned something, gained new friends and had lots of fun.

Facilitators who guided the participants through all the activities and became their advisers during the competition were all volunteers. Most of them were incoming juniors for a degree in Computer Systems Engineering. Two alumni of the college who were currently employed overseas generously helped out by sponsoring some of the participants. Their example has touched many.

This was the first time that the Center has offered a robotics camp. Weeks after it was held, inquiries continued to pour in. In response, the Center is now offering another Robotics Camp on May 15 - 17, 2008 that is open to more educational levels. The syllabus and training materials are now being updated and improved. Through the Camp, the Center hopes to continue helping our high school students and graduates create their own promising future which is the future of our country too.

A short course in robotics for math and science high school teachers is now offered. It is expected that a hands-on knowledge of robotics will help them make their teaching more interesting to young minds that are always yearning for new things and new directions. The training will also prepare them to conduct their own robotics camp wherever they are
teaching. The 36-hour course will run on consecutive days from May 12-17 to allow even out-of-town teachers to avail of the training.

Contact Information

Ms Ellen Bihasa
cec@dlsu.edu.ph
(632) 523-4357
(632) 524-4611 loc 304
(632) 526-4247 Telefax

Ms. Sheng Mejia
mejias@dlsu.edu.ph
(632) 524-4611 loc 302
(632) 526-4247 Telefax

Mr. Jess Gonzalez
gonzalezje@dlsu.edu.ph
(632) 523-4357
(632) 524-4611 loc 304
(632) 526-4247 Telefax
0916-343-5488 CP