Technology in the Classroom

Animal Health students working on the robot dog Diesel.

Hands-On Learning

Technology in the Classroom

From drones to robots, Olds College students receive high-tech, hands-on learning experiences that heighten their education and allow them to engage with their industry. Students in a range of different programs at the College have the opportunity to get their hands on some of the latest technologies in their classrooms.

Drones in Agriculture

In the Land and Water program, students learn a variety of drone applications for agriculture and environment management by witnessing a drone flight demonstration. Students are able to learn how to plan, fly and process drone missions, then provide usable results to internal and external clients. Students also process and analyze the imagery collected using Pix4D Mapper and ArcGIS Pro software, making 2D and 3D orthomosaic and topographic maps. The layers are then used to create sitemaps where Trimble GPS data is overlaid and the local topography and features are shown and described. Students also use drone imagery to calculate volumes for compost and manure piles, as well as thermal energy to determine potential moisture issues in crops. Members who are a part of the Olds College Drone Club are able to extend their knowledge further by gaining their Pilot Certificate Basic Operations.

Diesel the Robotic Dog

Diesel is a robotic dog with very lifelike features that performs a variety of simulations for the Animal Health Technology (AHT) students at Olds College. He breathes, has a pulse, and can function as an injured or ill pet. New to the AHT program in 2018, Diesel provides hands-on learning and experience in trauma cases that cannot be created with live patients. Diesel can perform pulse simulations, cardiac arrest, Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), Gastric Dilation Volvulus (twisted stomach), and various other wounds. This allows students to perform CPR drills, intubation, suturing and bandaging. Diesel even has veins and can be filled with fake blood to simulate a traumatic bleed so students can practice stopping the bleed and IV placements. Diesel allows AHT students to receive hands-on experience facing emergency situations and procedures that many do not experience until they start working in their field.

FarmBot the Horticulture Robot

Have you ever seen a robot that can plant seeds, water plants and remove weeds? Horticulture students at the College get to experience and work with the FarmBot alongside Dr. Ken Fry, Instructor at Olds College. The FarmBot enhances the student experience by providing a concrete example of both the hardware and software available to automate a variety of tasks. Accessing the growth habit data of particular plant species, the FarmBot is able to avoid weeding plant parts as it grows. It also features a soil moisture sensor in order to water the plant only when necessary, thus saving water. Students are able to observe the advantages and limitations of the FarmBot, thereby learning and assessing the appropriateness of automated technologies for horticulture needs.

The Owl Remote Learning Environment

The Owl creates a hybrid teaching environment for students unable to attend in-person class. During COVID-19 times, the Owl has come in handy for students who cannot physically attend class. Used by the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology, the Owl allows students learning from home to get the full-experience of being in the classroom with its 360 degree camera view. Thanks to the Owl, a positive and inclusive learning environment can be created for students who are unable to physically be in class, thus tailoring to students’ needs and enhancing their overall learning experience.

To learn more about the programs, hands-on learning and classroom technology that Olds College has to offer, visit oldscollege.ca/programs.

4500 - 50 Street Olds, Alberta, Canada T4H 1R6