Schooling must adapt to the changing contours of information
technology and connectivity. STEM education especially in computer programming
and robotics is becomingly increasingly important day by day in all walks of
the economy. Most of the low skill, routine, assembly line jobs are being
routed to automated performers. Human intelligence is increasingly being put to
implementing non routine tasks, flooded with new information, intelligent,
autonomous and highly adaptive technology. Schools, therefore, must shape up
the foundational skills of students, including independent, critical and
creative thinking, curating and implementing new ideas. These skills shall
prove to be integral to future job markets and to employees in order for them
to be progressive and efficient.
Left unexposed at early stages of education, most middle school
students experience a mental handicap in science and technology. Such students
then begin drawing away from the fields of computer and information science,
engineering, and the physical sciences. The inculcation of mathematical,
analytical and logical aptitude in students suffers as they are unexposed to
the strategic problem solving and organisational training in STEM. No wonder
the domain of information and technology has constantly employed toppers, nerds
and geeks. In a future job market constantly vetted with data and
technology“ science and technology is increasingly coming out of the black
boxes of 'nerds'. Technological infiltration will become deeper and broader in
all domains of life including and most importantly, education and workplace. No
vocation can then choose to ignore technological and professional productivity
brought in by the information technology systems. Robotics education would
therefore go a long way in creating productive workers, capable of being
effective decision makers and strategic problem solvers, irrespective of their
fields.
Majorly all the students these days are pro at basic computer
skills and internet operations, long before they even join elementary
school. Ironically, sometimes even in high schools, students lack even
the most basic knowledge of coding. The essence of coding is that it enables
students to recognise the actual working of a computer, the real execution of
programs and communication. Programming languages allow
students to effectively communicate with the computer, exposing its
actual working mechanism, providing a deep seated knowledge of information
systems and artificial intelligence. Most students and parents feel that
introduction to computer programming and computer science is a course relevant
only for college students. This is a MISTAKE. Students in fact must be exposed
to programming at a very early age. Programming enhances and feeds on the
analytical and logical abilities of children.
Contemporary curriculum focusses on integrated learning of Math,
Science, and Technology. Mathematical skills remain absolutely important to
programming of robots. Students are required to implement decisions regarding
the actions of the robot which requires skills of calculation, geometry,
optimisation and measurement. While students directly engage in computer
programming, robotics can expose students to ideas of spatial concepts and
geometry. The principles of physics, as well as electrical and mechanical engineering
can also be delivered in a hands on manner as students understand about
electronics, motors, sensors and actuators. Robotics also represents a great
pedagogical tool for learning and application allowing students to hone skills
such as problem - solving, strategic analysis, cooperation and develops their
high order thinking faculties. Robotics exposes students to the domains of
mechanics, electrical circuits, and applied mathematical reasoning, all of
which are otherwise perceived to be bland and inanimate by students.
Most schools worldwide have started embracing digitisation of
education however the implementation remains greatly superficial. Students
however now need to switch roles from being passive consumers of modern
technology to active creators and designers of modern information technology
systems. Various tools are available that allow students from K-12 to learn
computer pogromming skills. Scratch is a free tool designed by MIT media labs
for children 6 years and above and allows them to learn and create various
gaming and animation projects which they later share with other community
members. ALICE is a free and open source 3D programming tool which teaches
essentials of animation and storytelling to kids. Lego pioneered with Lego Mindstorm
which is essentially a robotics kit containing sensors, motors, programming
language guidance for kids and adults.
Most effectively, robotics can be taught as a part science or
technology curriculum, however various cross curriculum paths are also viable.
Educators worldwide have designed robotics curriculum as a mix of theoretical
and practical exercises. It includes building complex robots, solving problems,
optimisation attributes, multiple programming and testing activities, animation
and gaming activities, as well as informal activities such as robotics clubs,
robotics tournaments, various inter school robotics training and participation
programs. Students are not merely supposed to design, build, and program robots
for fun filled activities but they also develop research solutions to real
world problems. Working with robots engages students actively in direct
learning and creative problem solving techniques. Students are encouraged to
take independent initiatives after careful planning and optimisation. Students
create flow charts, plan their steps in detail, understanding the action and
reaction fundamentals. group based activities and robotics tournaments and Lego leagues also enhances cooperation, leadership, sharing, team management, communication
skills and various other life skill attributes. Robotics is a perfect way to
inculcate fun in an otherwise complex and scary subject of science and
technology.
Schools and education societies worldwide need to invest in
robotic education resources, including training for teachers who must be made
comfortable in embracing digital classroom techniques and incorporating the
learning and understanding of these in their curricula.
