[archiver]

Posted by Ken Leung at 1/5/2001 1:24 PM EST


Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.


In Reply to: student competency
Posted by asher on 1/5/2001 12:14 AM EST:



It's really frustrating when seeing an adult working furiously in the pit at competition while the students stand aside watching, especially when that adult is hack-sawing a piece of steel. This has been a kind of a problem in FIRST, but I don' think it's seriously enough to push FIRST to any kind of end. BUT, I do think that this does not match with the real spirit of FIRST.

For me, our team has always been student-run: it is the students who design the robot, grab the materials to the shop and actually make the parts of the robot and put it together, no to mention designing the organization needed in a team activity. The adults are just there to give advice, and rarely are they actually working on the robot. And this, has been a really fulfilling and educational experience for me personally. This is how I learn my way around machine shop and become interested in Mechanical Engineering

The spirit of FIRST is to get students interested in technologies and science. And sure you can get students interested if you get them to be part of the project, but I believe it's much more meaningfull if the kids are deeply involved. It's all about one question: Are you involved in the project or are you commited in the competition.

My little opinion, about this issue, is that the adults got to step aside a little bit to let the kids run the show. And that, I think, is the ultimate goal of FIRST. After all, the adults are already inspired about technologies and science. It will be a much more educational if the students have to take this on their own and take charge, come up with ideas and work on the robot with their hands. There is nothing wrong with a team having huge resources and helps, but it is, I believe, wrong if the huge resources and helps take the project away from the kids...

So, I say good luck and have fun to you, asher. This competition is always tough on the students, and I think it's worth it and they will really get a lot out of it.

P.S. I can't believe it is almost Saturday and I am here posting at ChiefDelphi Forum, even though I am actually at kick-off right now.

P.P.S. I have to say, Joe Johnson look a lot taller in real person. It's been a real honor to meet you face to face, Joe!