New NICTA Taskforces a great success in 2006
The ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science and National ICT Australia (NICTA) has developed free interactive educational workshops to help high school students in Years 9 and 10 to consider the careers that courses in science, maths and computing can deliver.
Known as the NICTA Taskforces, three new workshops in robotics, computer vision and maths were rolled out into eight ACT High Schools in December 2006.
by Heather McEwen, Marketing Manager
The ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science and National ICT Australia (NICTA) has developed free interactive educational workshops to help high school students in Years 9 and 10 to consider the careers that courses in science, maths and computing can deliver.
Known as the NICTA Taskforces, three new workshops in robotics, computer vision and maths were rolled out into eight ACT High Schools in December 2006.
"I was lucky enough to see all three of these exciting workshops in action," says Annie Termaat, Science Coordinator at Telopea Park School.
Presenters bring all materials to the schools and all that is required from schools is a time, venue, enthusiastic students and the high school teacher that is normally with the students.
"Best of all presenters bring themselves: bright young ambassadors from the emerging fields of applied mathematics and technology. Having completed their own academic year already, these teams of ANU undergraduate and postgraduate students (and on one occasion, the concept-designer, Dr Douglas Aberdeen) returned to high school to open up the world of engineering and computer science to our students," says Ms Termaat.
"They clearly explained concepts at a level the students understood, interspersing video clips, interactive demonstrations and group activities to engage even the most learning-resistant individuals. Many students commented on how the workshop had helped them to recognize the diversity and importance of engineering science," she said.
"Let's hope this investment will pay off for ANU, and help motivate our students to enjoy learning science and mathematics."
If you would like the NICTA Taskforces to visit your High School in Term 3 in 2007, then contact the College to be included on the contact database. Be quick because demand exceeded expectations with more than 500 high school students from eight ACT High Schools taking part in 2006.
More Information
E: Marketing Manager
