Hanson Urban Camp (HUC)
Date: 26th - 29th May 2022
Venue: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai
Organiser: UTM IET On Campus
Graduate Attributes: Communication Skills, Thinking Skills, Global Citizen, Enterprising Skills
Position/ Role in the Activities: Programming Speaker
Mini Report:
The Hanson Urban Camp (HUC) program was conceived to address a specific problem and is executed at the S01 UTM Makerspace Hall. The identified challenge was the insufficient support and participation of teachers in students' Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities. HUC effectively tackled this issue by developing a robotics module and conducting robotics practical sessions involving both teachers and students.
HUC collaborates with key entities such as Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri Johor (JPNJ), Vocational Education and Technical Division (BPTV), Young Talent Development Division, Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Student Innovation Center & Technological Entrepreneurship (UTMXCITE), and Jazari Innovation Club. The program invited 12 teachers from 6 secondary schools in Johor to UTM for a robotics practical session, concluding with a robotics competition.
The activities and modules implemented follow the principles of "Activity Based Learning," making them more effective and impactful. To infuse enjoyment into the camp, various fun activities were organized for the teachers during their stay at UTM. Leveraging UTM's comprehensive campus facilities, participants engaged in activities such as kayaking, exploring rivers, navigating ATV tracks, visiting orchards, and utilizing swimming pools. These engaging activities aimed to enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the program took the opportunity to introduce the teachers to the UTM Johor Bahru campus, showcasing its noteworthy features.
Self-Reflection:
On May 28th, 2022, I had the privilege to share my programming knowledge with 12 teachers instructing Reka Bentuk & Teknologi (RBT) from 6 schools around Johor. This programming session marked the 5th module of the HUC program, during which I covered topics related to Arduino and various integrated sensors, including the TCRT5000 Infrared Sensor and L298N Motor Driver. The session provided an opportunity for close interaction with the teachers, allowing me to gain insights into the evolving landscape of our country's education system, particularly in the field of technology.
The program's highlight was when the teachers, organized into four teams, successfully constructed their Autonomous Sumo Robot and engaged in an exciting sumo robot competition. This experience not only boosted my confidence in presenting and speaking in front of an audience but also allowed me to consider various factors before and during the session to ensure the audience's comprehension.
Furthermore, the program provided me with the chance to establish connections with participants and fellow crew members. Engaging in informal discussions during the development of the Autonomous Sumo Robot fostered a friendly and comfortable atmosphere with the participants. In conclusion, the experience of sharing new knowledge with our teachers was immensely rewarding, knowing that they can, in turn, impart this knowledge to all the students in their respective schools.