As part of its quest to explore and advance the efficient delivery of education via technology, the upcoming EduVision Conference, scheduled for March 18-19 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, will be featuring presentations on the burgeoning sub-sectors of animation and robotics. Both of these sub-sectors have received significant attention from both public and private sector interests over the last few years. Animation in particular, is increasingly seen as an avenue for both foreign exchange earnings and human development.

Animation is defined as a simulation of movement created by displaying a series of pictures, or frames. A television cartoon is one example of animation. Animation is not video. Whereas a video takes continuous motion and breaks it up into discrete frames, animation starts with independent pictures and puts them together to form the illusion of continuous motion.

Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture, and operation of robots. A robot can be defined as a programmable, self-controlled device consisting of electronic, electrical, or mechanical units. More generally, it is a machine that functions in place of a living agent.

In recent animation news, the ‘Animate Jamaica’ six-month certificate programme organised jointly by the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication(CARIMAC) and a private Jamaican animation company, Reel Rock GSW, with additional support from the Government and the World Bank as a global partner, recently saw its first batch of “graduates.” A posting on the World Bank website reporting on the graduation and the exciting possibilities in the rapidly expanding animation business, noted that the jobs for the graduates will happen because the Kingston-based Reel Rock GSW animation studio recently landed an international contract with a large French firm.

Just as entertainment animation can easily capture the imagination and interest of young adults (and other ages), so too can animation be used to impart knowledge on a wide range of topics in a highly engaging manner.

Often touted as an element of futurism, robots actually have a long and varied history. Ever since Charles Babbage conceived his ‘analytical engine’ over 160 years ago (back in 1837), the idea of computers that appear as smart as humans has been an aspirational, but elusive goal.

Early industrial robots handled radioactive material in atomic labs and were called master/slave manipulators. They were connected together with mechanical linkages and steel cables. Remote arm manipulators can now be moved by push-buttons, switches or joysticks.

Science-fiction author Isaac Asimov, is often given credit for being the first person to use the term robotics in a short story composed in the 1940s. In the story, Asimov suggested three principles to guide the behaviour of robots and smart machines. Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, as they are called, have survived to the present:

1 Robots must never harm human beings.

2 Robots must follow instructions from humans without violating rule 1.

3 Robots must protect themselves without violating the other rules

In addition to perfect recall, robots have the advantage of being able to endure physical conditions that are uncomfortable or even dangerous for humans; they do not get bored by repetition; and they cannot be distracted from the task at hand. These latter two features surely contributes to their vast potential in delivering education. Their “brain” is actually a form of computerised artificial intelligence (AI). AI allows a robot to perceive conditions and decide upon a course of action based on those conditions.

EduVision is a concept of a shared vision for the improvement of education and training through technological enhancement. Since 2003, this concept has been actualised through an international conference and exhibition: a meeting place of ideas and demonstrations of innovations facilitated by the partners of EduVision.

With a common interest in education and technology, a consortium of education and other professionals, academics, administrators, regulators and information technologists shared the vision of creating a forum to exchange ideas and to help raise the industry profile for the leading tertiary training programmes with the aim of developing ICT capabilities across the country.