IEEE Kalinga University Student Branch conducts IOT training to introduce rural students to opportunities in STEM

Raipur: The IEEE Kalinga University Student Branch, known as the most vibrant branch under the IEEE Madhya Pradesh Section, conducted an intensive practical IoT training program titled “Introducing Rural Students to Opportunities in STEM”. The program, sponsored by the IEEE STEM Grant, was held from 5th to 9th August 2024 at the Kalinga University campus.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Biradar, an expert in IOT and resource person for the program, led engaging sessions that introduced students to the fundamental concepts of Internet of Things (IoT) and guided them through the development of IoT-related projects. Dr. Anita Verma, Mr. Pratham, Mr. Ashwan Sahu, Mr. Hemant Sahu and IEEE student volunteers actively participated in handling the practical sessions.

The program was designed to provide practical experience to rural students, to equip them with skills that can open doors to future opportunities in STEM fields. Over the course of five days, 50 enthusiastic students from Government Higher Secondary School Rakhi, Nava Raipur participated in this transformational learning experience. They were divided into five teams, each of which was tasked to create a unique project using the IoT kits provided. The projects developed by the teams included innovative creations such as the Mex Mobile, Forklift, Snow Sweeper, Crane, and Dobby. Apart from working on these projects, the students also learned basic programming concepts using block-based software, enabling them to develop functional prototypes such as a smart watch and a temperature and humidity monitoring system. This hands-on approach not only strengthened their understanding of IoT but also fostered creativity and teamwork. On the last day of the program, the students were assessed through objective questions designed to evaluate their understanding and the knowledge they had gained over the five days. The assessment helped measure the effectiveness of the training and highlighted the learning progress of the students. At the conclusion of the program, all the participating students were awarded certificates in recognition of their hard work and achievements. This initiative not only empowered the students with new technical skills but also inspired them to explore further opportunities in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.