Training Design Program: Basic Robotics for Digital Literacy Training

● Objective: To introduce participants to the fundamentals of robotics and provide digital

literacy training to enable them to understand and work with basic robotics technology
effectively.

● Target Audience: Beginners with little to no experience in robotics and limited digital
literacy skills.

● Duration: 8 weeks (can be adjusted based on available time and resources)

Week 1: Introduction to Robotics and Digital Literacy

- Overview of the training program and its objectives.

- Introduction to robotics: definition, history, and applications.
- Importance of digital literacy in modern technology.
- Basic computer skills: using a computer, keyboard, mouse, and navigating the operating
system.
- Present the different definitions of robotics and explore how they have evolved over time.
- Dive into the rich history of robotics, highlighting key milestones and significant
contributions.
- Discuss the wide range of applications where robotics plays a crucial role, from industrial
automation to healthcare and exploration.
- Define digital literacy and emphasize its importance in today's digital age.
- Explain how digital literacy extends beyond technical skills and includes critical thinking
and responsible online behavior.
- Showcase real-life examples of the impact of digital literacy on personal and professional
growth.

Week 2: Electronics and Circuitry Basics

- Introduction to basic electronics components (resistors, capacitors, LEDs, etc.).

- Understanding circuits and their applications in robotics.
- Hands-on exercises with a breadboard to build simple circuits.
- Introduce common electronic components and their symbols in circuit diagrams.
- Explain the fundamental properties of each component and how they behave in circuits.
- Provide practical examples of simple circuits using these components.
- Teach participants how to read and interpret circuit diagrams.
- Discuss the different types of circuits, such as series and parallel circuits, and their
relevance to robotics applications.
- Explore how circuits are used in various robotic systems for signal processing and
control.
 - Provide each participant with a breadboard and electronic components to assemble
circuits.
- Start with basic exercises to light up LEDs and gradually progress to more complex
circuits.
- Encourage participants to experiment with different configurations and troubleshoot
circuit issues.

Week 3: Introduction to Programming and Coding

- Introduction to programming languages (Python preferred) and its role in robotics.

- Basic programming concepts (variables, loops, conditionals, functions, etc.).
- Writing and executing simple programs for controlling LEDs and motors.
- Explain why Python is a popular choice for programming robots due to its versatility and
readability.
- Introduce the concept of programming languages and their role in giving instructions to
robots.
- Discuss other languages commonly used in robotics, such as C/C++ and Java.
- Basic programming concepts (variables, loops, conditionals, functions, etc.).
- Teach foundational programming concepts that apply across most programming
languages.
- Provide hands-on coding exercises to practice using variables, loops, conditionals, and
functions.
- Show how these concepts are applied in robotics programming for decision-making and
iterative tasks.
- Guide participants in writing their first Python programs to control LEDs and motors on
the robotics platform.
- Emphasize the importance of testing and debugging code to ensure it functions as
expected.
- Let participants experiment with controlling different actuators using their programs.

Week 4: Sensors and Actuators

- Types of sensors used in robotics (ultrasonic, infrared, touch sensors, etc.).

- Understanding actuators (servo motors, DC motors, etc.).
- Integrating sensors and actuators into robotic projects.
- Introduce various sensors commonly used in robotics for detecting distance, light, touch,
and more.
- Explain the principles of operation for each sensor type and their strengths and
limitations.
- Discuss real-world applications where these sensors are deployed in robots.
- Introduce different types of actuators and their functions in robotics.
- Compare servo motors and DC motors in terms of precision, speed, and torque.
- Discuss other specialized actuators used in advanced robotics systems.
 - Guide participants in integrating sensors and actuators into their existing robotics
platform.
- Encourage creativity in combining multiple sensors to enable more sophisticated robot
behaviors.
- Provide examples of sensor-actuator feedback loops for autonomous decision-making.

Week 5: Introduction to Robotics Platforms

- Overview of popular robotics platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.).

- Familiarization with robotics kits and their components.
- Building and programming basic robots using the selected platform(Preferably Arduino).
- Present an overview of different robotics platforms available in the market.
- Compare the features, capabilities, and programming support of each platform.
- Help participants choose the best platform for their projects based on their requirements.
- Introduce robotics kits compatible with the chosen platform (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry
Pi kits).
- Explain the components included in the kits and their functions.
- Give a brief demo of assembling the robotics kit and connecting essential components.
- Guide participants through step-by-step instructions to build a basic robot using the
selected platform.
- Introduce motor drivers and explain how to control motors using the platform.
- Assist participants in writing the necessary code to make the robot move and respond to
simple commands.

Week 6: Robot Locomotion and Control

- Exploring different types of robot locomotion (wheels, legs, tracks, etc.).

- Understanding kinematics and control for robot movement.
- Implementing basic navigation algorithms.
- Present various locomotion methods used in robotics, such as wheeled robots, legged
robots, and tracked robots.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each locomotion type in different
environments.
- Showcase real-world examples of robots with diverse locomotion systems.
- Explain the concept of kinematics and how it relates to the study of robot motion.
- Introduce methods for calculating and controlling the movement of robot joints.
- Provide mathematical models and examples to illustrate kinematic principles.
- Introduce basic navigation algorithms such as obstacle avoidance and path planning.
- Show how these algorithms use sensor data to guide the robot's movements.
- Guide participants in implementing these algorithms in their robotics platform.
Week 7: Introduction to Digital Literacy

- Understanding digital literacy: using online tools, internet safety, and information
evaluation.
- Basic internet skills: searching, browsing, and using online resources.
- Introduction to productivity software: word processing and presentation tools.
- Explore the various aspects of digital literacy, including online communication,
collaboration, and research.
- Discuss the importance of internet safety and provide tips for protecting personal
information online.
- Teach participants how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of online information.
- Provide practical exercises to improve participants' internet search skills.
- Introduce useful online resources for learning robotics, coding, and other related topics.
- Demonstrate how to bookmark favorite websites and organize online materials.
- Introduce common productivity software such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Teach essential skills for creating and formatting documents and presentations.
- Encourage participants to use these tools for documenting their robotics projects and
creating presentations.

Week 8: Robotics Project and Final Showcase

- Participants work on a robotics project of their choice (e.g., line-following robot, obstacle
avoidance robot, etc.).
- Digital literacy integration: participants document their project progress using word
processing and create presentations to showcase their work.
- Final project showcase: participants present their robotics projects, explaining the
design, coding, and functionalities.
- Allow participants to choose a robotics project that aligns with their interests and learning
goals.
- Provide support and guidance to help participants plan and execute their projects
effectively.
- Emphasize the importance of project management, including setting milestones and
tracking progress.
- Instruct participants to use word processing software to maintain a project journal,
recording their daily progress, challenges, and solutions.
- Encourage participants to create presentations showcasing their project's objectives,
design, implementation, and outcomes.
- Each participant demonstrates their robot's capabilities and how it achieves its
objectives.
- Peers and instructors provide feedback on the projects, highlighting strengths and
suggesting areas for improvement.
- Celebrate the participants' accomplishments and growth throughout the training
program.
Resources Needed:

1. Robotics Kits: Arduino or Raspberry Pi-based starter kits for each participant or group.
2. Computers: Access to computers or laptops with the necessary software and
programming tools.
3. Digital Literacy Resources: Online tutorials, videos, and interactive platforms for digital
literacy training.
4. Project Materials: Assorted electronics components (sensors, motors, breadboards, etc.)
for hands-on activities.
5. Educational Materials: Printed handouts, presentation slides, and reference guides for
participants.
6. Guest Speakers: Inviting experts or professionals from the robotics or technology
industry for guest lectures.
7. Internet Access: Reliable internet connectivity for accessing online resources and digital
literacy training.
8. Project Showcase Venue: A suitable location to host the final project showcase event.
9. Mentors/Instructors: Trainers with knowledge of robotics and digital literacy to guide
participants throughout the program.
10. Evaluation Criteria: Establishing criteria to assess participants' progress and final project
outcomes.