Schoolbots challenge students to improve IT skills

Student participation in computer games programming can help boost interest in mathematics and should be used to help reinvigorate the subject at second level, an information communication technology programme specialist has stated.

Announcing a major computer games competition, Schoolbots, for transition year students, Dr Liam Noonan from Tipperary Institute's ICT department explained how computer game programming can illustrate the implementation of key mathematical concepts in a host of real-life applications. Taking theory from the text book and translating it into a tangible project not only makes the subject more interesting, it is also proven to improve results in the subject.

Sponsored by IT giants Google and Lenovo, the Tipperary Institute competition, Schoolbots - the only one of its kind in Ireland - takes place on 13 January next and aims to encourage students to develop new IT skills while improving their understanding of important maths principles.

"ICT is a key sector in the Irish economy - Ireland is recognised worldwide as an ideal environment for nurturing, developing and expanding ICT operations and it is reliant on a steady supply of high calibre graduates. With recent findings indicating a 56% shortfall in the number of students taking up places on third level IT courses and a marked decline in second level maths grades, a creative approach to engage students early is needed," said Dr Noonan.

Students from schools across Ireland will compete in the regional final which will take place on 13th January 2009 at Tipperary Institute with the top eight teams competing against each other in the national final which will be held on 12 March 2009.

The competition is limited to 40 teams and registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Further information, registration details and competition terms and conditions can be obtained by visiting www.schoolbots.ie or emailing the competition organisers at schoolbots@tippinst.ie Closing date for entries is Friday 12th December 2008.