Auburn University is offering ROBO camp, and it is an opportunity to grab on to. This program, developed by Auburn’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, was established to reinforce computer literacy to children ages 10-18 and is designed for children in grades 5-12.

Every Saturday from Feb.7 until March 14, children can go to room 2205 in the Shelby Technology Center and learn valuable computer skills. Shelby Center is located at 345 W. Magnolia Street. The camp is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the cost for the classes is $150. Registration is still open for interested students.

The classes will be taught by graduates from the department, and textbooks, headphones and flash drives will be provided for students’ use in the labs. The professional quality headphones provided will also allow for students to focus better while taking the skill-based training modules.

Strengthening the children’s already established skills is one goal, along with introducing advanced concepts and hands-on applications of computer programming and robotics. Students will use cutting edge computer applications such as MyITLab to reinforce knowledge of PC hardware and software architecture, Windows Vista, Internet and the WWW.

There will be more opportunities to learn more advanced concepts, robotics and computer programming. Some of the applications used will be Carnegie Mellon University Alice Programming System, Lego Mindstorms & Robotics Invention System, NXT & Microsoft Robotics and CRS-A255 robot and Microsoft interactive applications. This year the students will use an additional program that will expose them to a series of curriculum modules for developing games using the XNA Framework and Zune.

Students will be assigned individual tasks as well as group projects that will allow them to work together in teams to complete assignments.

Providing children with computer skills at an early age increases their chances of being successful adults. They will gain the knowledge and confidence that will carry them into their professional careers.

Used appropriately, and according to the “National Association for the education of Young Children,” technology can enhance children’s cognitive and social abilities. Children will learn that computer technology can be used not just for games, but also rather as a tool of self-expression. Technology already plays a role in children’s lives, and it will only increase in the future. It is now the responsibility of parents and educators to recognize the benefits of technology and be prepared to use it in a way that will benefit children.

Auburn’s camp will offer skills that will help children function in a computer-based world. They will be ahead of the game and gain confidence and knowledge that will prepare them for the future.

For more information or to register for the camp, visit http://eng.auburn.edu/outreach/k-12/robo-camp/index.htmlww.eng.auburn.edu/K-12.


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