ATL Connect Program – A Student Mentoring Activity on “IOT Applications” at Sri Ananteshwara English Medium High School, Udupi on 15th July 2025

On 15th July 2025, a team of enthusiastic student volunteers from the Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM), Bantakal, conducted an ATL Connect Program along with a Canva Basics session; a student mentoring activity at Sri Ananteshwara English Medium School, Udupi. This outreach initiative was part of SMVITM’s on-going efforts to promote innovation and digital literacy among school students through community engagement. The session witnessed the participation of approximately 50 students from Classes 9 and 10. The event was structured into two main segments—one focused on hardware integration / Simulation using Tinkercad and the other on digital creativity using the Canva platform. The ATL Connect session began with an engaging introduction to the concept of Atal Tinkering Labs and the importance of fostering a culture of problem-solving and invention in young minds.

The volunteers demonstrated how to use Arduino Uno, sensors, and other basic components, explaining their role in modern embedded systems. Following the ATL session, students were introduced to Canva, a graphic design tool used for creating posters, presentations, and other visual content. The Canva Basics session
focused on helping students understand the platform’s interface and features. The volunteer team from SMVITM included the following students: Athula Bhat, Aditya, Balaram, Rakhi, Alaka and Rajani. The feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. The students enjoyed the blend of creativity and technology and expressed an interest in exploring Canva further for academic and creative use.

Teachers appreciated the structure and content of the session, noting its relevance in enhancing student’s technological exposure and creative skills. The event was coordinated by Mr. Raghavendra Hegde, Assistant Professor (Sr), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SMVITM, Bantakal, Udupi. The Headmistress, along with the teaching and non-teaching staff of the Sri Ananteshwara English Medium School, extended their full support, ensuring the smooth conduct of the workshop.