MINDSTORMSTM NXT is a new system that redefine the consumer robotics category. Smarter, stronger and more intuitive than ever. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT is a robotics toolset that provides endless opportunities for inventors, robotics fanatics and LEGO builders ages 10 and older to build and program robots that do what they want.
Other than the casual home builders. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT has now taken the global area of robotic competitions. Among many others. First Lego League (FLL) holds an annual event that attracts the participants of all ages, from all around the world. FLL is a result of an exciting alliance between FIRST and the LEGO Company. Guided by adult mentors and their own imaginations, FLL students solve real-world engineering challenges, develop important life skills, and learn to make positive contributions to society.
In many countries across the globe LEGO NXT kits are also being used in middle and high schools for the purpose of education and enhancing creativity. Students are allowed to experiment with the kits to test the concepts they learn in class rooms. This not only increases their problem solving skills, but when they actually see the laws of physics with robots and their components in motion, their understanding about them increases to a great extent.
Demonstrations in class rooms about these concepts is one thing, but letting them do it by their own hands takes the learning to a higher level. I personally have been part of projects in USA. Where undergraduate students use these kits and do demonstrations to middle and high school students. The basic idea is to introduce technology to young minds so that their interest in such field increases from the beginning.
The idea of this workshop in Pakistan is somewhat similar to projects in USA. According to surveys Pakistan will take 159 year to catch up with industrialised nations. This means three generations. We can only reduce this gap if our next generation is exposed to the same technologies, and tools of education, which advanced countries are using.
If we can ignite a spark in these young minds to pursue higher studies in advanced fields, only then we can hope for a brighter future. The need of today is to conduct similar workshops in as many fields as we can, and as frequently as we can, so that our children can start thinking out of the box.
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