SHILLONG, July 17: A total of 449 schoolchildren from Smit and surrounding areas benefitted from a one-day workshop on drone technology, which was held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Smit, on Wednesday.
The workshop, jointly organised by Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and the Department of Geology of St. Anthony’s College, was designed to introduce Classes 9 and 10 students to the fundamentals and practical applications of drone technology.
Students from seven schools, including Loreto Mary Ward School, Umphyrnai, St. Francis De Sales Secondary School, Lad Nongkrem, Ibasara Secondary School, Iewpomtiah, Mount Gerizim Secondary School, Smit, St. Peter Secondary School, Smit, and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Smit, actively participated in the workshop.
During the inaugural session, principal of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Br (Dr.) Albert Longley Dkhar, highlighted the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity among young minds through such initiatives.
On the other hand, Director General of NECTAR, Dr Arun Kumar Sarma, spoke about the growing relevance of drone technology across various sectors and the need for more hands-on learning opportunities in schools.
During the workshop, the technical session was conducted by Nitin Sharma, a drone pilot from NECTAR, who provided detailed insights into drone technology, blending theoretical concepts with live demonstrations that kept the students engaged.
Similarly, a hands-on activity allowed the students to operate drones, so as to enhance their understanding and spark their interest in technology and innovation.
Meanwhile, students expressed enthusiasm for the interactive nature of the workshop, stating that the experience expanded their knowledge while opening up new possibilities for future careers in technology.