University of South Africa Short course: I-SET Robotics – Components and Pedagogy (76820)

University of South Africa Short course: I-SET Robotics – Components and Pedagogy (76820)

short course: i-set robotics – components and pedagogy (76820)

Purpose
Qualifying students (educators and community leaders) will be equipped to coach learners in robotics.  Students are equipped to teach the basics of robotics in education (programming, technology and pedagogy) in terms of knowledge, skills and values.  These competencies contribute to the development of science, engineering and technology in communities in Southern Africa, Africa and globally.  The module is interactive, online and practical.  The student must participate in online discussions, connect to the Internet weekly, submit learning-unit tasks, and submit a portfolio as evidence of learning for a venue based examination.

The student is required to have access to robotic equipment (MindStorms EV3), a computer and EV3 software.

Recommended for new coaches and mentors, no experience but with a team of eager learners to learn in sync with the team coach: I-SET Robotics – Practical Experience of Engineering and Programming (CSISET1).
Recommended next course: I-SET Robotics – Problem Solving, Data and Debugging (CSR0B2E), and I-SET Robotics – Sensors and Programming (available 2018).

Target Group
Educators and community leaders who require the relevant knowledge and skill to present robotics in education.  Currently there is no formal module where this knowledge and skill are presented, taught and explored in a comprehensive, coherent and structured format.
Syllabus – CSR0B1E (Components and Pedagogy – the basics)

• The awareness of the educational resources available for the teaching of robotics.
• The implementation of structures and concepts required for the building of robots, specifically robot chassis, attachments (both passive and powered), gears and sensors.
• The implementation of the programming and programming concepts required to program a robot, specifically the move and motor, switch, motor and subroutines.
• The research and application of the pedagogy for the application of robotics in education in the promoting of science, engineering and technology amongst learners, based on the current literature.

Admission Requirements CSR0B1E
The credit calculation is based on the assumption that the student who enrols is competent (on NQF 4) terms of the following outcomes or learning areas:

The student is in possession of a certified National Senior Certificate, with English as a subject.

• Applicants require basic computer literacy skills and internet access.
• The student is competent in language, numeracy and communication skills.
• The student has the ability to learn from written material 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.
• A teaching qualification is recommended, however not mandatory.

Assessment CSR0B1E
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 four learning units. Summative assessment: Will be implemented in a venue based examination.  A file of evidence of learning may be referred to during the exam. 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. This will be re-enforced through a learning environment and social media.

Course Fees
R3500.00 (the full course fees are payable on registration). Lecture notes will be provided online.
Lecturers
Mrs P M Gouws ([email protected])
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]