DOST upskills Surigao Norte academe on technology training
By Susil
Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, recently held a two-day training on Arduino programming and the Internet of Things (IoT).
A total
of 20 teachers and students from the Department of Education (DepEd) in Surigao
City and Surigao del Norte divisions participated in the training.
DOST
Caraga project technical assistant and lead trainer, Ahanes M. Gallardo,
explained the significance of Arduino programming as an introductory integrated
development environment (IDE) within the dynamic realm of robotics,
highlighting the boundless opportunities it offers when combined with IoT
devices.
“Arduino
programming is based on C and C++ programming languages in which users write
code, also known as sketches, which defines how microcontrollers should
interact with various components such as sensors, actuators, and displays.
These are then uploaded to an Arduino board, where tasks and functions are
executed,” explained Gallardo.
Gallardo
further said that Arduino programming has a user-friendly interface and
extensive community support, making a variety of projects, such as home
automation systems, robotic devices, wearable technology, and interactive art
installations, more accessible and achievable.
The IoT,
on the other hand, refers to a network of interconnected devices with embedded
technology that allows for the collection and exchange of data from the
internet. Arduino boards can be equipped with networking modules that allow
them to connect to the internet and connect with other IoT devices or cloud
services.
Arduino
programming and IoT technology can collect, process, and act upon real-time
data such as environmental monitoring devices, remote sensing applications, and
wearable health trackers.
Some 20 teachers and students from the Surigao City and Surigao del Norte divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) participated in the technology training facilitated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Photo courtesy of DOST - SDN.
One of the participants, Jomer M. Jumao-as, a teacher from Taft National High School, shared his learning experience, saying, “As a teacher, robotics seems so hard, but when given the opportunity to get exposed to the basic concepts, tools, and software, we are challenged to create and innovate something from the basics through the additional features taught by the speaker, which we are looking forward to adopting in the future.”
“We will
surely encourage students to explore around this venue of learning and
exploration of advanced technologies. We dreamt of it before, but now we can
see, touch, and venture through it all,” Jumao-as said.
As a
student, Lucas Frances G. Buhisan of Caraga Regional Science High School also
shared his experience and gratitude for the training.
“This is
a way to implement what I have learned for more advanced tools and
technologies, catering the way to information, exploration, and outsourcing
through Makerspace. This also maximizes the programming techniques and enables
us to connect globally, facilitate cultural exchange, and cooperate,” said
Buhisan.
The DOST Caraga, through the said comprehensive training initiative, hopes to inspire students and mentors to pursue science and technology careers, harnessing their skills to address the nation's challenges and drive societal progress. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST-Surigao del Norte)
