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Micromouse (fwd)


Dear all, I just got this from Christine. 7.1 million people watching
Technogames and the IEE decides to stop supporting schools micromouse.
That's just what I pay my engineering society memberships quid for.

    Adrian, MBCS (99 quid), MIEE CEng, (92 quid), depressed (for free)

(And I agree ACM and IEE are better value: I belong to them too.)

Dr Adrian Johnstone, Senior Lecturer in Computing, Computer Science Dep,
Royal Holloway, University of London,  Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, England.
Email a.johnstone@rhul.ac.uk Tel:+44(0)1784 443425 Fax:+44(0)1784 439786

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 12:57:41 -0000
From: "Faulkner, Christine" <Cfaulkner@iee.org.uk>
To: 'A Johnstone' <adrian@cs.rhul.ac.uk>
Subject: Micromouse

As you are probably aware during 2000 the IEE conducted a major review of
its work with schools and colleges which has resulted in a number of key
recommendations for a focussed targeted programme of activity for 2001 and
beyond.

In terms of core activity the review has proved very positive, strongly
recommending maximum outreach models of delivery to primary and secondary
audiences for all activity and increased teacher support and training.  It
has, however, also led to the decision to not continue support for smaller
minimum outreach projects / activities which are often high resource items
in terms of time and funding.

Regrettably under these parameters the Micromouse Competition has become one
of the activities that cannot be continued in its current form in 2001.
Whilst the competition has been a good experience for those taking part only
a very small number of schools compete in what is a high maintenance / high
cost activity.  Additionally we now compete for media attention with events
such as Robot Wars and Techno Games.  In its current form Micromouse is
overshadowed.  Techno Games does now have a regional framework.

The IEE will of course continue to make resources available to support
schools in the delivery of the control aspects of the curriculum.  I am also
pursuing a number of contacts with a view to raising sponsorship for the
competition in 2002/2003.  This would be used to reformat the competition to
make it more appealing to larger audiences.

I know how disappointing this will be for you in view of the work undertaken
in the past for the competition.  I am very grateful for your interest in
the competition.  I hope I will be able to come back to you in the future
with more positive news.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Christine Faulkner
Educational Activities, IEE, Michael Faraday House, Stevenage SG1 2AY
Tel: 01438 767370 Fax: 01438 742856
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