 |
Robotics Program
What kind of educational programs do students need to help them prepare for a technical career? While robotics might not be the first thing that comes to mind, Costa Rica is using robots to strengthen its national technical and engineering education programs. Intel donated 33 industrial robots that were then distributed to public technical schools, scientific high schools, and higher education institutions. Intel technicians installed the equipment and continue to provide ongoing support. Intel and the Ministry of Education organized a 20-hour training workshop for 60 teachers and developed curriculum, teaching materials, manuals, and videos. The robotics program enables Costa Rican students to experience contemporary manufacturing and automation technology while building lifelong technical skills.
Science Fairs
 Participating in a science fair can spark a child to pursue a career in science. In Costa Rica, Intel is working in collaboration with the National Science Fair Commission to expand student participation and has helped establish 20 regional science fairs throughout the country. In just two years, participation increased from 3,000 to 180,000 students. Intel also awards the winners of the San Jose Regional Fair, the largest in the country, with the Intel-NASA award-a one-week visit to the NASA Research Center. More than 30 Intel employees volunteer their time, playing an important role as judges in the regional fairs. Winners of the National Science Fair participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Intel Computer Clubhouse Network
In April 2002, Paul Otellini, Intel President and Chief Operating Officer, joined Dr. Miguel Angel Rodriguez, President of Costa Rica, to inaugurate Costa Rica's first Intel Computer Clubhouse. The Clubhouse, developed in collaboration with the Salesian Center for Development and Education CEDES-Don Bosco, is located in the southern area of San Jose, the capital city. For Otellini, the best part of the inaugural event was the opportunity to meet with the children and observe the creative projects they have developed using state-of-the-art technology.
Strengthening Engineering Curriculum
Intel collaborates with the University of Costa Rica and the Costa Rica Institute of Technology to help strengthen the engineering curriculum in electronics, electro-mechanics, computer science, and material sciences. Engineers volunteer as advisors and Intel has also donated state-of-the-art technology to the university. Students use the equipment in automation, digital electronics, microprocessor design, networking systems, and software development courses.
- The Intel Computer Clubhouse in Costa Rica is the first in Latin America.
- In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Fundacion Omar Dengo, Intel Teach to the Future will train over 5,000 Costa Rican educators by year-end 2002.
- Science fair participation grew from 3,000 to 180,000 within two years.
|
|
 Page 3 of 19 
|
|
|
|
|
|
After completing the Intel® Teach to the Future training, Gabriel Rivera was so convinced of the importance of integrating technology into his curriculum that he brought his own personal computer to school. Rivera, who teaches mathematics, firmly believes that students' interest in and understanding of technology can be increased even with minimal resources. "The combination of resources like the computer, the blackboard, and the flipchart has allowed me to increase student participation and we have actually increased student achievement," Rivera says. Rivera is quite proud of the positive change in his students' interest in technology and the improved mathematics aptitude scores, especially since only 50 percent of the student population has access to computers outside of his classroom.
| |
|
|
|
|
