Robotics clubs to open in all Armenian schools in 2-3 years
15.02.2012,
13:02
Robotics clubs will appear in all Armenian schools in two-three years, said Karen Vardanyan, Executive Director of Union of IT Enterprises (UITE).
YEREVAN, February 15. /ARKA/. Robotics clubs will appear in all Armenian schools in two-three years, said Karen Vardanyan, Executive Director of Union of IT Enterprises (UITE).
“Actually it is quite expensive to open robotics clubs in all 1500 schools of Armenia, as the cost for each club is approximately $1500. But it will be possible to solve this problem during 2-3 years,” Vardanyan said.
He noted that the clubs’ activity will be aimed at producing an Armenian-made robot as currently educational robots are purchased in the USA.
“We are planning to involve 10-15 pupils instead of the present 4-5 for producing our own educational robot in 4-5 months because it will be kitted with a set of parts”, Vardanyan said.
He also underscored that robotics can change the entire system of education in Armenia from the very low level. In this term not only teachers but the entire educational system will have to meet the demands of prepared and smart pupils for improving the quality of education.
In his turn, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian stressed the importance of opening robotics clubs not only in Yerevan but also Armenian regions as it will give the opportunity for schoolchildren from regions to participate in the process of innovation development in Armenia.
Since 2008 UITE has been organizing ArmRobotics Open Championships.
The goal of the Championships is to restore and develop robotics in Armenia. In particular, it is aimed at finding young people interested in robotics, as well as assisting in using new technologies in business. The first contest assembled 11 teams (each containing 4 students and one advisor) from Armenia, Karabakh and Iran.
The Championship includes 5 different contests for various age groups: “Computer simulation” (for students), Line Tracking (for students), “Contest of robots that identify subjects through color and smell” (no age restriction), “Marble crossing” (for schoolchildren) and “Robot-Sapper” (no age restriction). –0—