University of South Africa Short course: I-SET Robotics – Practical Experience of Engineering and Programming (76997)

short course: i-set robotics – practical experience of engineering and programming (76997)

Purpose

The qualifying students (educators and community leaders) will be equipped to coach and mentor teams of learners in robotics. These competencies contribute to the development of science, engineering and technology in communities in Southern Africa, Africa and globally. This introductory course for a coach or mentor is interactive, online and practical, and includes the coaching of a team of learners in a virtual robotics competition. The student is required to have a team of learners to coach, and should participate in online discussions, connect to the Internet weekly, submit learning-unit tasks, and compile a file as evidence of learning which may be used during a venue-based examination. The student should have access to robotic equipment (LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3), a computer and EV3 software.

Recommneded next courses: I-SET Robotics – Components and Pedagogy (76820) CSR0B1E, I-SET Robotics – Problem Solving, Data and Pedagogy (76984) CSR0B2E, and I-SET Robotics – Sensors and Programming (76985) CSR0B3E.

Target Group
The target for this course includes educators and community leaders who require the relevant knowledge and skill to coach robotics teams. This is a formal module where this knowledge and skill are presented, taught and explored in a comprehensive, coherent and structured format.
Syllabus – CSISET1 (Practical Experience of Engineering and Programming)

The implementation of engineering fundamentals and programming principles, including motors and programming, problem solving and navigation, use of sensors (touch, colour and ultra-sonic), use of data acquisition and statistical data analysis, engineering design process, time and project management, calculus-based physics, logic and truth tables, control structures, algorithms and flowcharts, and swarm intelligence.
The presentation of the programming and engineering concepts to a team of learners.
The mentoring of a team of learners in a robotics competition.
The presentation of the evidence of learning as part of sharing and inspiration of community in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Admission Requirements CSISET1
The credit calculation is based on the assumption that the student who enrols has basic computer literacy skills and Internet access, and is competent (on NQF 4) in terms of the following:

The student is competent in language, numeracy and communication skills.
The student has the ability to learn from written and visual materials in English, which is the language of tuition.
The student has the ability to communicate what has been learnt comprehensibly through a range of media (including digital).
The student takes responsibility to manage learning and the learning environment.

Assessment CSISET1
Formative assessment and examination admission will comply with University of South Africa’s formative assessment rules and policies. Formative assessment: Will be used in the submission and evaluation of the assignment for each of the learning units. Summative assessment: Will be implemented in a venue-based examination, during which a file of evidence of learning may be used as a reference. A certificate from University of South Africa will be awarded to candidates after obtaining a final mark of at least 50%.
Duration of module
Semester course (15 weeks)
Tuition method
The University of South Africa open and distance method of blended learning will be followed. The study material will be provided according to the blended learning approach. Each learning unit requires a compulsory assignment for evaluation and feedback. This feedback will ensure that interaction between students and course facilitators occurs.

Course Fees
R3500 (the full course fees are payable on registration). Lecture notes will be provided online.
Lecturers
Mrs P M Gouws ([email protected]) and Dr Tanja Karp
Administrator
Ms Pertunia Masalesa
School of Computing
GJ Gerwel Building, Floor 3, Office 05
Tel: 011 670 9139/9189

Fax: 011 670 9174/9274
E-mail: [email protected]