Ogre Municipality students to be first to study drone technology in pilot project that may go nationwide
Latvia's Ministry of Education and Science is launching a pilot project in which upper-secondary and vocational students will study unmanned systems technology. Students in Ogre Municipality will be the first to take part, and the project may later be expanded across the country.
A pilot project is being launched in Latvia in which students in general secondary, vocational and professional secondary education will learn about unmanned aerial system (drone) technology. Students in Ogre Municipality will be the first to take part. The aim is to find out how best to include this knowledge in the school curriculum, with a plan to extend it across the country afterwards.
How it is to be taught
During the pilot, several options will be assessed: unmanned systems could be offered as a separate course or subject, or as part of vocational education modules.
The project is also meant to define:
- the content to be learned and the expected results;
- the number of lessons required;
- safety requirements;
- equipment and material support;
- conditions for training teachers.
The professional development of teachers is planned to be co-financed from European Social Fund Plus project funds.
The ministry's rationale
The Ministry of Education and Science says unmanned systems are playing a growing role in security, civil protection, rescue operations and other sectors of the economy. The pilot will therefore assess how to give upper-secondary students the knowledge and practical skills needed in this field.
Education and Science Minister Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance) said that unmanned systems and technologies have become a strategically important area where practically applicable knowledge is needed. She noted that initiatives that improve educational content and promote new specialities can also strengthen young people's competitiveness.
