While the Djirikitj Firebirds continue their exceptional growth in VEX Robotics, the focus has now turned to building early digital literacy skills in students from the Midawarr (K-2) and Djambatj (Year 3 – 5) classes, with the creation of a programming tool written in Yolngu Matha.
In partnership with Yolngu translators, Barker Robotics have delivered the new step-by-step programming application to Dhupuma in Terms 3 and 4, in readiness to host the only NT VEX Robotics competition. Jeser, Tom, Fernanda and Max have also renovated a class space at Dhupuma Barker to be a state-of-the-art robotics training and competition space, the first of its kind in the Northern Territory, and providing a facility on par with students from Barker College. Coaching can be delivered via live video stream from the Carden Ave centre.
Students can recount their day-to-day activities in their native language by programming a small robot on a bespoke field to visit local sacred sites and perform activities in those locations such as luplup (swimming) or bunggul (dance).
The tool is boosting both literacy and digital skills and sets younger students on a pathway to being competitive robotics programmers into the future. It is hoped this groundbreaking programming can be developed in Darkinyung language to embed Indigenous language skills at Darkinjung Barker.