On Hackatruck Markerspace, PUCRS students will create apps and solutions using Internet of Things
Photos: Bruno Todeschini
A large yellow truck parked right in front of building 8 grabs the attention of those who walk around the Main Campus of PUCRS. The Hackatruck Markerspace, is an action that gives students access to new developing technologies and fosters innovation in this area. The initiative is promoted by IBM, in collaboration with Apple, and will take place until Nov 10.
Overall, there are 45 undergraduate and graduate students from several academic schools of PUCRS who will join forces in the activities both in the morning and afternoon. According to Bruno Felipe Corte, Hackatruck Makerspace instructor, students are motivated to employ different teaching methodologies. “We’ve done two different activities. In one of them, we addressed the Apple Developer Academy – Porto Alegre. The other addressed agile methodologies for the management and planning of software projects”, says he.
Dr Afonso Sales, School of Technology professor and coordinator of the Brazilian Education Program for iOS Development (BEPiD), claims that students have several tools to use creativity, such as: 3D printers, sensors, drills and wood cutter. “Students make use of active methodologies that are appropriate to the project they want to develop and work on their own pace. This is how they can develop both manual activities with the Internet of Things and learn more about the technologies that are used in apps”, complements he.
The stages of implementation of the truck
Hackatruck initially began with a five-module online course. Participants were awarded with a certificate of completion of the 65-hour course. When they were done with the course, as part of the final stage of selection, applicants were required to submit a video stating their reasons to work on the project. The team will notify the top participants in the online course of their seat in the on-site stage.
The on-site course is 6 weeks long and includes theory work at the Apple Developer Academy of PUCRS and practicum work on the project’s Truck with dedicated specialists and Hackatruck professors. Participants will be awarded with a certificate of completion of the 120-hour on-site course. The on-site course is scheduled to end on Nov 09.
More about Hackatruck Makerspace
Hackatruck is a professional training activity for college students interested in IT or anybody else who has got some background knowledge in it. It is sponsored by IBM Brasil and Flex, in collaboration with Apple. Eldorado Research institute is in charge of carrying it out. The training program uses Swift programming on iOS and includes open lectures about new technologies and IT careers.
The Hackatruck includes training programs and lectures. Its facilities encourage participants to develop innovative ideas: inside the truck it is possible to use 3D printers and an interactive overhead projector as well as other technological gadgets. The area is open to external visitors too.
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