CNA-Q trains 44 public school teachers in robotics

College of the North Atlantic–Qatar (CNA-Q) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has celebrated the completion of a training programme in robotics that was delivered to 44 public school teachers.

Completion certificates were handed to the participants who were encouraged to use the acquired skills to improve student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning.Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of CNA-Q said: “The training programme in robotics is a great opportunity for teachers, who will be able to introduce their students to complex subjects such as programming, engineering and communicating across different technology platforms. We support applied learning and through robotics students can develop many skills that will position them for success well beyond their school years. CNA-Q is committed to ensuring the success of this programme that aims to strengthen STEM-based education and build the leaders of tomorrow.”The hands-on 30-hour training course consisted of 10 classes, in which teachers applied mathematical and programming concepts to design and build programmable robots. The College has been offering these free training sessions since 2011. They are provided in English and Arabic during evening time. Since the start of the programme, more than a thousand teachers were able to bring applied STEM education into their classrooms in a fun and interactive way. Furthermore, such education does not only support students’ advancement with their STEM skills, it also develops other 21st century transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and innovation.Dr Salah al-Sharhan, dean for the School of Business Management and Information Technology at CNA-Q said: “Our training programme in robotics creates a new point of view on science for teachers. Through this programme they can enhance students’ motivation to learning and exploring the STEM world and provide our young citizens with a solid foundation to build the future of Qatar.”The training for teachers that CNA-Q has been providing for many years, ensures that the education system in Qatar is both current and capable of supporting the future needs of our progressive and innovative society.