In its second annual summer programme Creations Lab, Halls of Learning has expanded their curriculum to include two more fascinating courses, bringing their course offerings to a total of four dynamic courses: Video game programming, Robotics, 3D Animation and Digital Music.

The 9:00 am - 4:00 pm weekday programme, which runs from July 4 to 29 is hosted at the Hillel Academy and was conceptualised and implemented by Marvin Hall, the Head of Halls of Learning.

Here Hall is showing our writers the RoboLab Trainer software program which acts as a wizard or how to for building robots.

The idea of the programme developed from his visit to one of the world's leading Robotic Competitions in Singapore, where he was inspired by the primary schoolchildren and their robotic exhibitions.

With the intervention of the Lego Corporation and DigiPen, Creations Lab has utilised the RoboLab Trainer software along with the wholly 21st Century technology of infra-red towers and 825 pieces of Lego completed by the RCX (Robotics Control Explorer) to allow students to create their own robot. The RCX or the brain of a robot has also been used by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to teach their undergrad students how to apply their software knowledge.

Creations Lab has formulated a revolutionary programme that allows students to see into the future to where technology is headed, by giving students the opportunity to create their own models and programmes to perform specific tasks.

TeenAge writer Omar Clarke sits between John Fenton and Jason Turpin, two instructors of the Hall of Learning's Digital Music line of courses.

Creations Lab has given out approximately 100 scholarships this year, a whopping jump from the eight awarded last year. In addition, Creations Lab is also planning to start Jamaica's first National Robotics Competition within a year.

Digital Music course is a hit If you are a music lover, the Digital Music course being offered at Creation Labs will definitely change the way you listen to music.

The fun-filled one-week course offers a basic understanding of digital musical programmes such as Image-Line Software's Fruity Loops Studio, Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge and Sony's Acid Music Studio.

Although the course might be easier for musicians, by participating in the programme you will ultimately learn all the concepts necessary for advanced use of applications like Fruity Loops and Sound Forge, as this is the main objective of the course.

The opportunities to enhance your proficiency and skill at beat-making are endless, as only a computer and the relevant programmes are needed, as well as lots of practice. If interested, you can even use the course as a head-start to joining the ranks of Jamaica's talented music producers.

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