April 20, 2009

SIUC offers robotics workshop for educators

by Ashley McRaven

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Division of Continuing Education is teaming with the College of Applied Sciences and Arts to provide area educators an opportunity to learn more about involving students in engineering and technology through competition robotics.

“Competition Robotics Workshop for Educators” is a three-day summer workshop set for July 14-16 in the College of Applied Sciences and Arts building. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Martin Hebel, associate professor in the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies and director of the popular summer youth robotics camps, will provide an overview of popular student robotics competitions and the hands-on design, construction and programming of robotics similar to those at national events. He’ll offer insight into competition practices and how to mentor a team.

Teachers participating in the workshop may earn up to 18 Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs). The workshop registration fee is $100. All participants requesting CPDUs will pay a $2 processing fee. On-campus parking is available for an additional $4.

Advance registration is required. There’s a 15-participant limit so early registration is recommended. For details about the content of the workshop, contact Hebel at 618/453-8806 or via e-mail at mhebel@siu.edu. To register, or for more information, contact the Division of Continuing Education at 618/536-7751 or visit the Web site at https://www.dce.siu.edu.