Engage with Combat Robots

Engage patrons with the science of robotics through Battle Robots! Learn how to introduce students to core STEAM concepts, including electrical and mechanical engineering, programming, and robotics, as well as team branding and fair play through combat robotics clubs and camps for tweens and teens. Have fun battling robots and walk away with activities you can use in your library.

Speakers:

Vanya Walker
Orange County Library System
Vanya Walker is an instructional designer for the Orange County Library System designing technology and fiber arts classes. Over the past decade, Vanya has taught and designed curriculum in a wide range of topics including digital literacy, productivity, robotics, and programming. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities from Rollins College in Winter Park.

Michael Sweeney
Orange County Library System
After spending eleven years working for Pinellas County Schools as a special education teacher and then technology specialist, Michael E. Sweeney joined the Florida Center for Instructional Technology at the University of South Florida. At USF he developed instructional technology professional development for K-12 school districts and higher education institutions. As a leader of the Master Digital Educator Program, he was invited to present at state and national conferences on teacher professional development and instructional technology advances in K-12 schools.  He has a Bachelor's degree in Behavior Disorder Education and a Master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology. Upon leaving the University, Michael was contracted with Focus School Software to develop online and face-to-face training for student information system software that is used worldwide by schools and districts to learn the student tracking and scheduling software. Michael joined Orange County Library System as an instructional designer in December of 2012.  He develops curriculum on electronic engineering, programming, robotics, Microsoft, Adobe software, and textile arts.