UPDATE: The camps are now full, but we are accepting names on a waiting list if spots become available.

The Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology department at Red River College is once again pleased to offer a free program that will introduce Grade 7 students to Electronic Engineering Technology.

We will be offering eight sessions in our new facilities in the Princess Street Campus and invite Grade 7 students to joins on Saturday mornings (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.) from March 1 to April 19, 2008.

The classes are limited to a maximum of 16 students each and are led by experienced instructors who teach Electronic Engineering Technology and Network Technology at RRC. Although students will learn some basic theory, the emphasis for each of the sessions is to develop practical skills and to make learning fun.

Classes in previous years were filled quickly, so apply early to avoid disappointment. Students will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Complete the application form, indicating your first and second choice. If your child is not accepted, he or she will be placed on a wait list and may be called if someone is unable to attend.

For more information please contact Valerie MacKenzie at 949-8442.

Electronic Technology Course Description

The Electronic Technology class provides an introduction to basic electrical concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance. Students will be shown the difference between dc and ac voltages and will have an opportunity to work with real instruments in a real electronic lab. These include digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators.

Students will be introduced to sound and observe the concept of pitch (frequency), volume (amplitude) and timbre (tone, harmonic content, attack and decay time) by observing the sound created by a guitar and amplified through a commercial amplifier. The concept of magnetism will be introduced as it relates to speakers and basic motor theory. Temperature control will be observed by having the students spray thermocouples with a commercially available “cold spray”.

Finally, each student will construct a take-home project that demonstrates some of the principles of electronics. All supplies and materials will be provided free-of-charge by the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology department.

Network Technology Course Description

This class will explore the concepts of data paths, addressing, routing, security and protocols through the use of two-way audio and video links and interactive games. Students will leave with a basic understanding of network operations, including how the internet really works.

A video will introduce the idea of data movement and show where this fits into daily activities. Video phones and VoIP phones are used explain data packets and to illustrate the relationship of computer data and voice data in a network. An interactive “Router Game” will help students understand the data routing process, including how many steps there are in the process and the speed at which this happens. Basic network devices will be shown, their connection to a network will be explained, and their functions demonstrated.

Students will also build their own cables and test them to illustrate how computers are connected to networks.

RRC gratefully acknowledges the Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth and the Minister of Advanced Education and Training for generously sponsoring this project through the Technical Vocational Initiative (TVI).