We’ll be launching Rossum’s hackerspace this comming Tuesday with the HackRossum Hackerspace Testrun!

Join us at the Open Innovation studio (map) afterwork till late.

Course:               Python Programming for Beginners
Duration: 4 days - 29 Jun to 2 July, 09h00 to 11h00
Cost: R400
Description:
An introduction to writing programs in a real programming language called Python. This course is for those who want to move on from Robo Pro; and those who want to write their first real program. Students will be writing simple programs in Python and conclude by writing their own .mp3 player that asks the user for information, play music files and make the computer speak. Younger students are advised to start with ‘Robotics – Learning to program in Robo Pro’ prior or in parallel to attending this course. Ages 10+, open to mature learners and requires booking in advance.

Course:               Introduction to Game Programming
Duration: 4 days - 29 Jun to 2 July, 09h00 to 11h00
Cost: R400
Description:
A simple introduction to the world of creating computer games. Students will use Python to write a simple 2D ‘Space Invader’ game and learn about concepts in programming and Python. This course is for older students 13+, or those who have done some programming in the past. This course follows on, or runs in parallel with the ‘Python Programming’ course. Requires booking in advance.

Workshop:          Mobile Programming Workshop
Duration: 4 days - 29 Jun to 2 July, 09h00 to 11h00
Cost: R400
Description:
A workshop for students who own a compatible Nokia cell phone and wants to learn how to write their own program that runs on their cell phone. Students will write simple programs to create menus, send sms’s, play music files, etc. Students require their own programmable Nokia phone, attended the Python course or a little bit of prior Python experience. Requires booking in advance.

Workshop: Automation Workshops
Duration: 4 days - 29 Jun to 2 July, 09h00 to 11h00
Cost:                       R400
Description:
A workshop for students interested in controlling their world from the computer. Students will look at how to build electronic circuits for connecting lights, appliances and sensors to the computer. They will experiment with writing programs in Python to control their system, set alarms, switch the lights, speak to the user, detecting activity, etc. This workshop is for older students 13+ and those with some prior Python experience. Requires booking in advance.

His latest program, called Doodle Kids, lets iPhone users draw with their fingers by touching the iPhone’s touchscreen and then clear the screen by shaking the phone. It has already been dowloaded more than 4000 times in just two weeks form the iTunes store.

Lim, started using the computer at 2, is fluent in 6 different programming languages and have completed more than 20 projects.

Rossum Academy also believes in the value of teaching students from a young age to program and create digitally. MIT professor Mitchel Resnick refers to the importance of being ‘digitally fluent’, that is being able to not only work in a digital environment but being able to create new thins digitally.

Image courtesy of Ben Gulak

We decided to build the Fischertechnik 3-Axis Robotic Arm controlled by a cell phone and challenge the viewers at home to sms the correct instructions to move a drum on the table in the studio. During the few minutes that the competition ran, the cell phone connected to the arm received almost 600 sms’es from viewers at home.

The purpose of this demonstration was to showcase the new discipline of mobile programming which we are offering at the Academy. This new mobile programming course looks at how to write software in Python for cell phones running the Symbian Operating system. This course will form part of our holiday program at the MTN Sciencentre.

Rossum offers a holiday programme at the MTN Sciencentre over the December and January holidays.

Where :                    MTN Sciencentre in Canal Walk Shopping Centre
When :                     See schedule below for dates.
First session 09:00-10:30
Second session 11:00-12:30
Cost :                      R75 per session.
Bookings :               Essential to book in advance at neels@rossum.co.za or
sms to 082 3343 259

Introduction to visual programming - Robo Pro (2 sessions)

This is an easy introduction to computer programming for those who have never programmed before. Students will use of a visual flowchart style programming language called Robo Pro to create simple sequences to control lights and motors.

Age group :                       8 to 13
Prerequisites :                   None.
Level :                               Lego League participants should skip this and move on to ‘Visual Programming’.

Visual programming - Robo Pro (2 sessions)
A more comprehensive look at programming concepts and the building blocks such as sub-programs, variables and flow controls. It takes off from the ‘Introduction to visual programming’ to create more complex sequences using various methods of iteration and decision-making. Students will  write  programs to control more complex machines and create user interfaces for them.
Age group:                        8 to 18
Prerequisites:                    Introduction to visual programming (unless participated in Lego League)

Introduction to Python (2 sessions)
This  is an introduction to Python, a syntax based programming language and step up from visual programming. This is the start to real programming in a language that offers sufficient scope and depth to do the things Robo Pro or the NXT Programming Language  couldn’t. See www.python.org
Age group :                         8 to 18
Prerequisites:                   Visual programming or sufficient background.

Python Programming (2 sessions)
More building blocks for Python and a follow on from the introduction. Students will look at interfacing with the sensors, motors and other devices through Python; reading input from the keybord and dealing with dates and time.
Age group :                         8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   Introduction to Python

Python Sound and Graphics (4 sessions)
An introduction to working with sound and graphics in Python. Playing music files and writing images, shapes and colors to the screen. This is the starting point for students who would like to create their own games one day.

Age group:                        8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   Python Programming or sufficient background.

Mobile Python (4 sessions)
An introduction to writing programs for the cell phone platform to control devices, send sms’es and small applications in Python for Symbian Operating system.
Age group :                      10 to 18
Prerequisites :                   Python Programming or sufficient background.

2D Design in Google Sketchup (2 sessions)
An introduction to creating 2D designs using Google Sketchup with the aim of getting it cut from paper, vinyl or Perspex. Instead of printing with ink, the designs are cut from paper and vinyl. The starting place for students who are keen to learn how to design objects, buildings and projects on the computer and manufacture them using computer controlled tools. Visit the Google Sketchup site for more information on the design software. http://sketchup.google.com/
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   None

More 2D Design in Google Sketchup (2 sessions)
More projects and practical work in designing and computer controlled cutting.
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites                     2D Design in Google Sketchup

3D Design in Google Sketchup (2 sessions)

An introduction to modeling real objects in 3D using the computer. Students who either would like to one day design cars, objects, furniture and objects for computer games should start here.
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   None.

More 3D Design in Google Sketchup
Further tools, techniques and practical projects in Google Sketchup.
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   3D Design in Google Sketchup

Durbanville Primary will be the first school in the northern suburbs to host a Rossum Robotics Academy. The Academy will be hosted at the school and presented by lecturers from Rossum Robotics and administered as part of a private technology institution.

Rossum Robotics and Durbanville Primary are committed to prepare children for the fast changing, technology pervasive world and to equip them with the required analytical, creative and collaborative thinking skills that will ensure their future success.