Parul Mehndiratta – Business Enterprise Architect at ST – stands as a beacon of dedication and excellence within our Foundation. With over two decades of unwavering volunteer service, she has been a cornerstone in its evolution and growth in India since its inception. Her contributions span from meticulously designing course content for beginners and “Introduction to Computer Basics” to leading training sessions as a Master Trainer in the DU program, such as the one we had earlier in July in India.
Parul, what happened this past July?
P: More than 50 participants from various regions in Asia, including India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, met in hybrid mode between the ST main office in Greater Noida and virtual sessions for nearly a week. The purpose was to refresh the “Introduction to Coding” course, and an important element of the training was the Vittascience Starter Kit. It includes the ultra-low-power STM32L476RG microcontroller board, and different types of sensors and actuators. It is programmable through Scratch and MicroPython, with the goal of creating small robots.
How was the course structured?
P: The first day kicked off with a warm welcome and an overview of the course objectives. I introduced the participants to the basics of coding, focusing on fundamental concepts and terminologies. The session was interactive, with participants engaging in hands-on activities and real-time coding exercises.
On the second day, the course delved deeper into more complex coding techniques and the functionalities of the Vittascience Kit. This is a crucial kit for our courses as it allows to teach coding in an easy and accessible way. The ST volunteers were encouraged to collaborate in small groups, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
The third day was all about practical applications. Participants worked on mini projects, applying the concepts they had learned over the past two days. This hands-on approach not only reinforced their learning but also boosted their confidence in coding and in the teaching experience ahead of them.
The final day was a wrap-up session where participants showcased their projects and shared their learning experiences.
What is your main outcome from this course for trainers?
P: This unconventional coding course was quite successful due its winning mix of teaching programming and creating electronic applications. Given the spirit in the room, I am sure all the participants look forward to applying the skills they learned to help bridge the digital divide and make an impact in a more effective way in the communities they live in.
Parul’s recent efforts in the design and development of the coding course further showcase her commitment to empowering others through education. Her passion, expertise, and tireless dedication inspire us all to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact in our communities.
“The training was very useful for me and the volunteers. Many thanks to Parul and the team who patiently taught and answered every question that we asked. For a beginner like me, this course gave a clear explanation of how evertything works.”
Nur Nazreen binti Yahya
“I enjoyed the whole session since this was my first attempt at coding STM32 microcontrollers. I am very excited for the upcoming class with the kids.”
Anissuraya binti Mohd Hakim
*All the courses that are part of the DU Program are developed and updated within our Foundation, thanks to the volunteers’ extensive expertise of STMicroelectronics professionals, such as Parul.