An institute with fifteen years experience in the computer and ICT field, the OpenArc School of Business and Technology has launched a new course in robotics aimed at children between the ages of 8-16 named 'Robotics for kids'. This course has been launched with the intention of preparing the future generations for the next step in computer technology, robotics and automation.

Robotics for kids is not a course outside the educational activities of children and it paves the way for the development of their computer and ICT education and their entertainment, creativity, leadership and group work, enabling them to face the world of the future successfully and opening doors to a field with a massive demand.

The course 'Robotics for kids' consists of three stages. The first stage is for children aged 8 to 10 years and the second is for children aged 11 to 13 years. The third stage is aimed at youth between the years 14 to 16. The duration of each stage is six months. The course is conducted in Sinhala medium and English medium. It is focusing on improving knowledge, group work, leadership, creativity, planning, imagination and the application of principles of information and communication technology, computer programming, Physics and Trigonometry.

OpenArc School of Business and Technology is using the world renowned Lego Mindstorms kit that is used in the institutes such as the Carnegie Mellon University. While the course is in progress, the robotic creations of students will be presented to national and international competitions subject to their wishes. An annual national competition of robotics is held every year in Sri Lanka and an international competition named the Robotics Olympiad is held annually overseas.

After completing all three stages of the 'Robotics for kids' course and after sitting for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination, students can follow the 'Diploma in Robotics' course. This course teaches the creation of embedded software that control electronic equipment. The future world will be based on automation of electronic equipment. Because of that fact, the Software Engineers that create such software are in great demand in Sri Lanka and overseas and are paid very high salaries. The Diploma in Robotics course lays the basic foundation to enter the professional field of robotics.

OpenArc School of Business and Technology is equipped with air-conditioned lecture rooms and laboratory facilities with high speed ultra modern computers and other equipment necessary for the conducting of the 'Robotics for kids' course. OpenArc has a specially trained panel of lecturers to conduct this course.

More details of the 'Robotics for kids' course could be obtained from OpenArc School of Business and Technology, First Floor, OpenArc Technical Complex, No.120, High Level Road, Colombo 06 or by e mailing info@openarc.edu.lk Their web address is ww.openarc.edu.lk