Academic Centre
Explaining the origin of the idea behind “Programming with delight”, the author of the project, researcher Ivars Driķis says: “The construction of any electronic device requires specialists who are well acquainted with both electronics and programming. Such professionals are in high demand in the labour market and this demand is constantly growing.” Thus, the course “Computers and Software 1” of the bachelor's study programme in physics has been improved, including Arduino programming, which provides the basics of both programming and electronics. “While preparing the course content, it was found that there are no suitable electronic teaching modules available on the market, hence the idea to build them ourselves,” said Driķis.
The project “Programming with delight” is administered by the UL Foundation and supported by the patron “Mikrotīkls”. The project has resulted in 100 units of the teaching aid, which consists of a microcomputer, various modules and wires. The didactic material will be used by bachelor students of physics, learning the basic principles of programming, while everyone interested also has an opportunity to get acquainted with the newly created teaching aid at the University of Latvia House of Science Library, where it is available for individual use (inquire with the librarian).
About the University of Latvia Foundation
Since 2004, the UL Foundation provides an opportunity to patrons and cooperation partners to support both the University of Latvia and other leading higher education institutions of our country, thereby investing in the future of Latvia. The priorities of the UL Foundation are to support the most outstanding, dedicated students and researchers, to advance creation of a modern study environment, as well as to promote construction and refurbishment of university’s buildings.
 of the University of Latvia (UL) provides the opportunity to acquire the basics of programming more creatively. UL FPMO teacher, doctor of physics Ivars Driķis heads implementation of the project “Programming with delight”, offering new, unique study modules. The patron “Mikrotīkls” and the UL Foundation help to introduce innovations at the University of Latvia.){kind=link}