Training a robot to find its way through a maze is no easy task.
But for students at FAMU's department of Computer and information sciences, it's just another day in the classroom.

"We don't put so much emphasis on lecture, instead the teacher becomes a facilitator for problem solving in a group setting," said Edward Jones, Ph.D., chair of FAMU's Department of Computer and Information Sciences.

These students are spending part of National Computer Science Education week showing off their creations, which involve robots that play tag, can follow and track and even deliver mail. Something the student masterminds are very excited about.

"It's like a little kid when they put together they hot wheels or something. I can't explain in, it's just really proud. You know you really accomplished something and that you have talent and really can do things," said Owen Watson, a FAMU senior.

Things that most people would never understand, which is exactly what has these students so interested. They want more than a robot who chases another. They want a future, and perhaps a career.

"It's going to be everything that we do. So I feel that every user should be at least knowledgeable about computers and be abreast on whats going on in that particular field," said Will Davis, a FAMU graduate student.

If these students have anything to do with it, a future filled with robot and human interaction is not so far away.

The CIS Department will sponsor the following events to celebrate the week.

Monday, December 7
Administrators Day 11 a.m. to Noon

Tour of the Voc. Tech A
Exhibits/Demonstrations
Faculty Roundtable

Human Formation “FAMU Computes” 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Bragg Memorial Stadium

Tuesday, December 8
Robotics Day 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Voc. Tech A Lobby

Wednesday, December 9
Computer Gaming Day 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Voc. Tech A Lobby

Thursday, December 10
Research/Grant Poster Day 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Voc. Tech A, Floors 1-3