Medicine Hat students work with Geek Squad robots at Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Center

“I think people should get into robotics because it shows and demonstrates what people have to use everyday. Some people will never know how it works,” Nyman said.

Teacher Josh Roflik said that robotics and AI have more and more involvement in our everyday life which is why it’s important to get a head start on technology.

He embraced the opportunity to work with the Best Buy Geek Squad Academy, giving his students a new approach to learning.

“I’ve been teaching for about 15 years and seeing that transition of where students used to be to where we can offer them a different learning aspect, with so much excitement, has been incredible,” Roflik said.

“We didn’t have robots that we could just fit in our pockets that you can program and control. We didn’t used to have these type of opportunities,” he added.

But to see it change, I’m hoping it means the future is changing for them [students] and helps change the way they approach this style of learning.”

Manager Matthew Maillet said that the academy has been happening for just over eight years in Canada and that classes like robotics offers a great way to develop the future of technology.

“The relationship is key. These students are our future customers, these students are our future employees, these students are the future of society,” Maillet said.

“These kids are going to be contributing in so many different ways, so the more we expose them to technology and the more we get them excited about technology, the more we prepare for the ever-changing landscape,” he said.

“We seeing it now. STEM is increasing in importance in all aspects of schooling, from junior high to university to the job force. Getting them involved and excited now will have a direct benefit to their long term careers and also indirectly for us.”

Noting the technological advancements in schools today, including city planning with the video game Minecraft and now robotics, Roflik said that it’s helping spark an interest in STEM programming.

“A lot of this is embedded with just their day to day things. The options that they choose, even as simple as the best way to drive to the grocery store, it’s helping them navigate through post-secondary, it’s keeping them enthused with any prospects that are going to be in that realm,” he said.

The Best Buy Geek Squad Academy is planning to offer a similar program for the students of Crescent Heights High School next school year.

by Adrian St.Onge

Medicine Hat students work with Geek Squad robots at Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Center

Our Community