BizTech

OpenArc launches:

Course in ‘robotics’ for children

Electronic automation to become future trend:

OpenArc course in robotics

*Aimed at children between eight and sixteen

* Course named ‘Robotics for kids’

*Taught how to control electronic gadgets

* Robotics software engineers in high demand with high pay

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 eight to sixteen 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 eight to ten years and the second stage 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 programing, 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. 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 they are paid very high salaries. 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 [email protected] Their web address is www.openarc.edu.lk

Dehigama elected to head COYLE

What is COYLE?

* COYLE was established in 1999

* Now has 125 active members islandwide

* All industry segments represented

* Dynamic community of young Lankan entreprenurs

Techno-entrepreneur, Nayana Dehigama has been elected as the new COYLE Chairman - the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs. Established in 1999, COYLE has a membership of over 125 active members who are young entrepreneurs from different parts of the country representing almost all industry segments.

“At a time where all Sri Lankans are keen on seeing prosperity, it is quite encouraging and challenging to head this most dynamic community of young Lankan entrepreneurs. It is globally accepted that entrepreneurs are the people who create wealth for the society and drive innovations and change. Behind these nice words lies their huge responsibility toward the society and all other key stakeholders. A crucial factor for economic prosperity, entrepreneurs need assistance, interaction and blessings of policy-makers, peers and the public.

The role to play as the Chairman of COYLE is vital in this context,” Nayana Dehigama said. All those who presided COYLE in the past including the outgoing Chairman K H Wegapitiya have been instrumental in making COYLE an iconic forum for entrepreneurs and it is now my turn to lead COYLE to new heights, he added.

Nayana won the most coveted Asia-Pacific Young Entrepreneur Award 2010 organized by the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry where the best entrepreneurs of over 25 countries competed. He also won the Silver award as Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year and the Entrepreneur of the Year Western Province in the Extra Large category for the past two consecutive years. An alumnus of PIM, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He is currently reading for his doctoral degree at the School of Management of the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand.

Nayana Dehigama is the EPIC Lanka Group’s Chairman/Managing Director, the renowned ICT solutions provider in Sri Lanka with a proven track record of 13 years. His company has collected an unprecedented number of national and international accolades from 2008 to 2010 which includes the National Business Excellence Award in ICT sector for the past three consecutive years.

Picture saved Nayana 2005

SLASSCOM invites Silicon Valley experienced trainer

SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association of software and service Companies) has invited Pete Deemer, a Certified Scrum Trainer with over 23 years of experience in leading teams build technology products and services at Silicon Valley companies to address their member companies on April 4.

The briefing titled ‘Management 2.O- challenges in managing software companies’, will have Pete share the latest management best practices being embraced by some of Silicon Valley’s leading software companies that have helped them produce dramatic improvements in productivity, quality and innovation.

Pete was also the founder of GameSpot, now in its 15th year as a leading entertainment technology website, and has served as an advisor and board member for numerous Silicon Valley startups. Pete is an honors graduate of Harvard University and is now based in Singapore.

Pete is the CEO and founder of GoodAgile, the leading Agile development consulting and training company in South Asia. His customers include services companies such as Infosys, Wipro, and TCS, and numerous product companies such as Nokia, GE, and Oracle.

Pete will conduct a two-day Certified Scrum Master training program on April 5 and 6, where SLASSCOM member companies will benefit from special discounted rates.