FIRST in Alaska and FRC 568 the Nerds of the North are facilitating a weekly series of workshops for Alaskan FTC team members, coaches, and mentors. Most workshops are interactive and work best in real-time attendance. However, video recordings will be made available afterwards as well. Individuals interested in contributing as a panelist or instructor for one of the sessions can reach out to frcteam568@gmail.com.
Menu of Sessions:
- How to Run an Online Team (October 7, 2020)
- Project Management (October 14, 2020)
- Engineering Documentation (October 21, 2020)
- 3D Modeling (October 28, 2020)
- Building & Maintaining Team Websites (November 4, 2020)
- Outreach (November 11, 2020)
- Film & Video Production (November 18, 2020)
- Control Award & Programming (December 9, 2020)- NOTE DATE CHANGE
How to Run an Online Team
Date: October 7, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 30 min-1 hour
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/T3PBfIbxLJQ
How on earth can we effectively run a robotics team when we cannot meet face-to-face? What types of tasks can a team really accomplish when isolated from one another? And what are some practical tools and resources we can use to make this happen? In this workshop, you will learn how to effectively manage and participate in virtual meetings, and tips from teams and individuals who have been participating in virtual meetings long before the pandemic.
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Project Management
Date: October 14, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/qL9q0koNGGY
Project management is a crucial part of a robotics team (regardless of whether you’re meeting face-to-face or remotely) and an incredible real-world skill to develop. However, the unique challenges of isolated, remote collaboration during a global pandemic makes these tools even more important! Learn how you can adapt and integrate several real-world project management tools to help your team create goals and delegate and track tasks.
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Engineering Documentation
Date: October 21, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/XgX0DnXe3PY
The Engineering Notebook and the new Engineering Portfolio, necessary for documentation of your work, but documents that many teams struggle to create (and force members to work on it). In this workshop, we will cover how to remotely create good engineering documentation that will impress the judges, and how you can engage all members of the team to write up the documentation together.
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3D Modeling
Date: October 28, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/zmefE9oiG6A
3D modeling is an important tool for any engineer, and more so now than ever! 3D modeling software allows teams to create and share virtual robot concepts, construct prototypes, and create models to 3D print, lasercut, or mill. In this webinar, you will learn the basics of how to use Fusion 360, get tips on how to use the collaborative environment, and access resources to learn more.
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| Panelists: FRC 568 Nerds of the North |
Building & Maintaining Team Websites
Date: November 4, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/vSuBEMqj6s0
Team websites are great tools for getting information about your team available. But how do you create a website, and once it’s built, what do you have to do to maintain it? In this workshop, we will help you create a website skeleton for your team. You will also learn how to keep your website updated and active.
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| Panelists: TBD |
Outreach
Date: November 11, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/-wKT3m-W7m0
What kind of outreach can your team possibly conduct during a socially distant season? Especially given the lack of in-person events to volunteer at? How do we make sure that our teams’ outreach remains meaningful and focused? How do you track your team’s outreach data and present it to judges at a competition? In this workshop, you will hear from past Inspire Award winners and Chairman Award Winners (the FRC equivalent) of outreach opportunities available during this time.
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Film & Video Production
Date: November 18, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/hl21_x-6hcc
Video is a powerful tool that is not only necessary for award submissions such as the compass and promote awards, but can also be used for great team image and marketing. In this workshop, we’ll go over both the creative and technical aspects of creating videos. From pre-production planning, scripts, shot lists, and type of footage to filming and editing tips, we’re here to help you make these videos more powerful and impactful.
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| Panelists: TBD |
Control Award & Programming
Date: December 9, 2020 (NOTE DATE CHANGE)
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Watch Recording: https://youtu.be/Mlfmh3fqVmk
Programming is at the cornerstone of FTC. This year having a solid autonomous is vital to many challenges, such as scoring consistently into the goals, and determining where to place the wobble goal. Furthermore, this season the Control Award, the award for best use of sensors and programming, has increased its advancement ranking, making it more valuable for teams looking to advance. In this workshop, you will learn effective ways to implement sensors into your design, and programming tips for getting the most out of your hardware.
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| Panelists: TBD |