IGT Launches Innovative New Summer Camp - Coding and Robotics Rock!
Featured in the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday-
FRIDAY, 13 AUGUST 2021: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO — International Game Technology (“IGT”) has partnered with the University of the West Indies’ Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) to conduct the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp for Caribbean students. The coding and robotics camp is sponsored by IGT, as part of the Company’s flagship After School Advantage (ASA) Programme. Child Development Specialist and Mathematics/STEM educator Nalini Ramsawak-Jodha at UWI, St. Augustine joined with IGT and MGI to offer curriculum guidance for the programme.
Students from the various ASA Centres along with their supervisors, are now engrossed in the exciting virtual camp, being hosted under the theme “Maximizing Technology.” The training which commenced on Monday, August 9 and will continue for two weeks, ending with a virtual graduation ceremony on August 19.
“This is a unique opportunity for students from IGT’s ASA computer centres across the Caribbean, and for IGT to make a positive impact in the community,” said Brendan Hames, IGT Regional Director, Caribbean. “This is the first time that we are hosting a coding and robotics training programme, and the first of its kind to be taught simultaneously to Caribbean students in different locations.”
One of the young boys from Jairah Boys’ (Raffa House) pays close attention during the Opening Day of the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp.
Educators have long realized that teaching coding to children provides them with valuable knowledge needed to fill the “skills gap” between the growing number of technology jobs and the people qualified to fill them. The IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp helps the ASA children gain great exposure to STEM-related activities.. Most participants for the IGT camp are children between 11-18 years of age with limited or no exposure to coding and robotics.
Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) is delivering this virtual summer camp training to 36 participants selected from IGT’s ASA centres in Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Maarten and Trinidad & Tobago. ASA partners from Trinidad include Amica House, Jairah Boys (Raffa House), Rainbow Rescue, and the Sylphil Home in Love, Tobago.
Two of the young boys from Jairah Boys’ (Raffa House) are excited to engage in the learning activities of the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp.
Dr. Parris Lyew Ayee, Director at MGI, pointed to key aspects of the online programme, designed to introduce students to basic Microsoft Office software, coding, and robotics literacy.
“The skills gap between the constantly evolving number of jobs in technology and those qualified to fill them is real,” he said. “This is a valuable, marketable skill for life. We hope that students will benefit from insights into the computer science industry, both regionally and globally. At the same time, they will develop a solid foundation. We believe they will also enjoy themselves, as they learn to use their creativity, building games, websites, applications, and robots.”
The camp will build the students’ computer literacy, in areas such as using Microsoft Word and Excel. They will also learn basic computer programming with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, as well as website development, creating games, and building apps.
Mr. Hames reiterated: “We are excited at this opportunity to expand the students’ horizons and deepen their love of technology. This form of community engagement is something we value very highly at IGT. We are grateful to our partners, Mona GeoInformatics Limited, who designed the programme. With the benefit of their expertise, we know this summer camp really ‘rocks!’ The project definitely aligns with the goals of the region’s governments to prioritize science, technology, engineering and math in education.”
IGT Draw Coordinator Lead Leslie Ann Baxam was onsite at Jairah Boys’ (Raffa House) during the Opening Day of the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp, to safely engage with these young persons while following all Covid-19 protocols.
About IGT Trinidad and Tobago:
As the full-service lottery provider to the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), IGT manages the distribution, accounting and validation of the Lottery’s instant ticket business. In addition to lottery and instant ticket services, through VIA, a commercial services company, IGT provides prepaid mobile phone top-up and bill payment services over lottery terminals in Trinidad and Tobago.
About IGT:
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.