What have you learned from FIRST?

Technical Robotics Education and Curriculum
1

“Have we taught you anything?” ::rtm::

I am trying to do an in-depth analysis of the educational impact that FIRST has on students, and need everyone’s assistance. Feel free to answer as briefly or as extensively as possible. The results will be tabulated and posted as a white paper at the conclusion of the season.

Within many FIRST teams, there is both a “formal” and an “informal” education process. Our team holds “Leadership Training” sessions in the late summer. During the pre-season, we have mini-seminars on a wide variety of of topics: CAD, Electronics, Programming, Marketing, Database Design, etc… to allow students to try new things. During both the pre-season, and during the build season, we take the sub-team leaders through “system process engineering” training. Lastly, many of our students are also part of a Robotics Engineering class, which has a curriculum aligned to FIRST concepts. Students in those classes are required to build FTC or VEX robots as part of class projects.

My question is, and while I would love the student’s perspectives on this, I understand that many students may not be aware of exactly what we mentors are doing to them, so I open this up to all …

What have you learned from FIRST? If you could create a resume based on topics or skills you have learned, what would you say? Also, if you were asked how proficient you are, novice, beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert - what would you say? Also, if you were to share that information, what resource would you use to help another individual learn the same concept?

Here is the format that I would like.

  1. Current Grade Level (if applicable):
  2. Topic/Skill (Be as specific as possible - don’t put “sensor” or “programming” - say “wiring a touch sensor” or “programming the PID in Labview”):
  3. Years of Experience:
  4. Proficiency (novice, beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert):
  5. Learning Resource (URL, Youtube video, book, expert, etc.):

I thank you in advance for your time and efforts!

Steve

… lastly, if you don’t feel comfortable posting publicly, feel free to PM with your info!

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  1. Current Grade Level (if applicable):
    Junior
  2. Topic/Skill (Be as specific as possible - don’t put “sensor” or “programming” - say “wiring a touch sensor” or “programming the PID in Labview”):
    Lead Programmer; just regulate the whole programming group, “set” the pace, and “pick up” after other programmer. Like debugging and cleaning up code. Then do my own thing.

The only thing I really learned that I would take with me is working with others. Honestly it is the first “team” project that I have ever participated in regarding programming. I still have to learn.

  1. Years of Experience:
    2nd year of FIRST; 5+ years of C++ experience and 2nd year of Java experience
  2. Proficiency (novice, beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert):
    ** Beginner/Intermediate when it comes to robots in general**
  3. Learning Resource (URL, Youtube video, book, expert, etc.):
    Self taught C++ through books and learned about robots just by asking others and through experience (mistakes:p )
3
  1. Current Grade Level (if applicable):
    Senior
  2. Topic/Skill (Be as specific as possible - don’t put “sensor” or “programming” - say “wiring a touch sensor” or “programming the PID in Labview”):
    **This might be a long list.

On my old team, 1747:

Lathe work- between robotics and shop classes I really got good at it. At least one mentor claims I am/was a “lathe magician”. Without robotics, a lot of my best work would have never existed, nor would the knowhow and experience to produce them.

On my current team, 2783:

Carpentry/construction- I now know much more about construction and carpentry, as we had to quasi-remodel the warehouse we were given as shop space.

On both:

Electronics- other than faded memories of a couple radio shack kits, all of my now vast knowledge of electronics would have never existed. What robotics didn’t teach it did inspire me to go out and learn. This includes pursuing a degree in electrical engineering next fall.

There is more but the list would go on and on for a long way.**

  1. Years of Experience:
    4th year of FIRST/FRC.
  2. Proficiency (novice, beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert):
    ** overall (minus CAD/Web design): Expert. uber-expert on certain topics.**
  3. Learning Resource (URL, Youtube video, book, expert, etc.):
    ** Learned on the team, school classes, online forums, self taught.**