Colombo, July 12, 2021 – As the National ICT Telecommunications and Mobile Services Provider, SLT-MOBITEL is committed to taking Sri Lanka towards a tech-driven economy, and recently began conducting a series of free online courses in Arduino, Robotics and IoT (Internet of Things) to infuse future generations with the latest technological skills and knowledge.
Preparing youth towards a digital future, SLT-MOBITEL offers the free ‘Beginner Course in Arduino, Robotics & IoT’ to support a culture of innovation among local students uplifting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in the country. The course will also assist youth in developing practical solutions using smart technologies and play a significant role to drive the country towards a digital revolution by providing next-generation communication infrastructure.
SLT-MOBITEL selected Magicbit (Pvt) Ltd as the course provider. Magicbit is recognised as the developer of a unique hardware kit and programming platform which enables students to explore a wide range of applications in the areas of coding, electronics, IoT, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A call for applications for the Beginner Course was initiated early-April and generated an enthusiastic response with applications received from across the country covering all nine districts. Students currently studying or interested in technology, IoT and robotics were invited to apply. A total of 100 students have been selected to attend this entirely free course. Students in the age group of 12 – 18 years were selected based on their interests and capabilities.
The course comprises online workshops together with practical sessions and is conducted over eight days with a two-hour session each day. It is conducted completely free of charge, and the first batch of students commenced their programme during the first week in May. Furthermore, two batches learning in Sinhala and Tamil languages began on 12th June.
The number of participants per batch has been limited to 20 students as course organisers understand that it is vital to maintain quality over quantity. Additionally, the course is offered in Sinhala, English and Tamil where the applicants have the privilege of selecting the language of their preference. Each course participant receives a free MagicBit development kit which helps the students learn and practice new technologies such as IoT, robotics, programming, electronics and AI. Every session in the course includes practical self-learning activities with the Magicbit kit.
SLT-MOBITEL is bearing the total cost of the programme in support of the national drive to bridge the digital divide. Interested students are invited to visit www.mobitel.lk/iot-course for details and registration. Upon completion of the course all students will receive a certificate.