On February 18, at the initiative of Houston Community College (USA), online negotiations with employees of Information Technologies and Robotics faculty were held at BNTU.
As we were informed, one day earlier the representative of the college - Ian Far - visited BNTU out of personal interest in accordance with a letter from the Dean of the HCC Department of Advanced and Information Technologies. Following the visit, negotiations were scheduled. They went as an online conversation.
During the conversation, the parties have discussed curricula for bachelors and masters preparation, student exchange and the creation of joint online classes for HHC and BNTU students. As a result, it was agreed to exchange curricula and keep in touch.
From the side of BNTU, the negotiations were attended by the dean of Information Technologies and Robotics faculty Andrey Avsievich, as well as the heads and associate professors of the departments “Software for Information Systems and Technologies”, “Electric Drive and Automation of Industrial Installations and Technological Complexes” and “Robotic Systems”.
The main purpose of the American’s visit to Belarus is to attend a training seminar on using and working with Teslasuit, the world's first tactile feedback suit for the most complete immersion in VR. Its work is based on the principle of electrical stimulation. The center for its development - the company VRTek - is located in Minsk and is a resident of the High-Tech Park. One of the founders of Tesla Studios Limited and the author of the very idea of a VR suit is a BNTU graduate Sergey Khurs. Apparently, this influenced the interest of foreign guests in the BNTU.
Sources: goodstart.by, bel.biz
After the negotiations, we managed to talk with a foreign guest and ask him a couple of questions.
— Can you share what is the purpose of your visit?
— Our team is currently working on developing a curriculum with Teslasuit. At the moment, it is the most complex object of VR and requires practical training. We would like to work directly with our team, to establish contacts.
When I arrived in Minsk, I thought about visiting your university. I'm here anyway. Yesterday I had a meeting with the dean of Information Technologies and Robotics faculty Andrey Avsievich. I was very warmly welcomed and I set up negotiations with the dean of our department at HCC. We already cooperate with such countries as Mexico, Vietnam, Germany, Qatar, and many others. We are interested in cooperation with Belarus as well.
— Have you communicated with students?
— Yes, I was amazed it was at least one person in each group fluent in English, thereby students helped us a lot. It was clear young people work hard in the classroom.
— What were your first impressions of Minsk.
— This is my first time in Belarus. Yesterday we went sightseeing. Minsk is so beautiful at night! There is a lot of light in the streets.
Ian also said they will no longer have time to visit other universities, and he is very glad that he took the time to get acquainted with BNTU.
