The Apps Alliance, Dwengo and Google organized the workshop “How To Program A Robot: The EU Code Week Workshop For Students”, which took place on October 16 at the Google offices in Brussels. The initiative was part of the EU Code Week 2015.
The 3-hour workshop introduced the basics of graphical modeling language and coding. The students learned how to “talk” with a real robot, using programming language.
The training was provided by Dwengo, which is a volunteer organization that supports teachers with the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in their classrooms. Nowadays students start with coding lessons earlier than ever and often at primary school age. 21st century children grow up with tech devices like smartphones and tablets in their hands, so it came as no surprise that students demonstrated amazing skills in not just working with robots, but also programming their actions.
“The App Alliance supports the improvement of e-skills at every age and it was extremely motivating to work with capable and involved students.” said Catriona Meehan, Director of EU Policy and Government Relations.
The Apps Alliance is focusing on a broad area of digital skills that include issues such as the inclusion of digital subjects in the school curriculum, practical coding training, raising awareness for safer online communication, tailored training for the current job market, reskilling of unemployed workers and more.
The trainers at the “How To Program A Robot: The EU Code Week Workshop For Students” included names like Francis Wyffles, co-founder of and educator at Dwengo, who specializes in robotics and Jelle Roets, hardware and software developer. The students also had a chance to meet and have informal networking session with Karen Mouws, educator and STEM advocate and Christian Wagner, Public Policy and Government Relations Analyst at Google.
