Why Teaching Robotics and Technology is Important in Education

Kedra Schwab has been a teacher at Kadimah since ​the beginning of 2016​. Using her degree is in education, mathematics, and computer programming, she has been helping students enter the world of technology and has been developing and enhancing our programmes. 

Have you ever wondered how your child's education can keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology?  

Here at Kadimah, we've integrated a solution right into our curriculum by teaching robotics and technology. It's more than just a trendy buzzword; it's an innovative approach to learning that's transforming how our students engage with their education.  

In this blog, we delve into the fascinating world of robotics and technology, and how we're making learning exciting and relevant for our students. 

Why we are teaching robotics and technology  

When you were in school, did you ever sit at your desk and wonder, ‘Why do I need to learn this?’ Well, with our robotics and technology programme, our students rarely have to wonder why. That's because every concept they learn is instantly brought to life, transforming traditional learning into a hands-on, practical experience, an approach we closely adhere to. 

At the heart of robotics and technology education lies the foundational trio: reading, writing, and mathematics. In our classrooms, these aren't just theoretical subjects to be learned and forgotten. Instead, our students use these skills as powerful tools to tackle complex problems and brainstorm innovative solutions. 

So imagine this: one moment, your child is learning about angles and measurements in their maths class, and the next, they're applying this knowledge to program a robot's path. It's this seamless blend of learning and application that makes our teachings so exciting and valuable. Not only does it enrich their academic knowledge, but it also gives them a taste of real-world problem-solving, all while sparking a love for lifelong learning.  

Learning for the real world 

In our lifetime, technology has exceeded what many of us thought possible. 

By teaching children technology, we are equipping our students for the future. Many of the jobs our students will occupy in the future may not even exist today. Therefore, we place great emphasis on teaching students how to learn, fostering curiosity, and encouraging them to explore a broad spectrum of subjects, even those beyond their immediate interest. 

But the benefits of teaching robotics and technology extend far beyond academic knowledge. Our programmes cultivate critical life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and resilience. These universal skills are invaluable, preparing our students not just for their future careers, but also for a rapidly changing world.  

What does teaching robotics and technology look like? 

We focus on two distinct aspects: the physical build of the robots and the programming that brings them to life. Like embarking on a new language, most of our students start from the basics, with little or no knowledge of what programming entails. 

The physical aspect involves hands-on construction and engineering of the robots, similar to a real-world puzzle where the pieces need to come together to create the complete picture. Two of our favourites are Vex Robotics and EPro8 kits, each offering its own unique building experience. Vex Robotics, in particular, involves a significant build process, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the robot's architecture and mechanics. 

It's here where our principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) come into play. Students observe and understand the intricacies of different robot designs and their workings, and how the various components interact to form a cohesive unit. 

The second aspect is programming. Depending on the lesson's objective, students may program their robots to accomplish specific tasks, like navigating through a course. For beginners, the initial steps may involve operating the robot using a remote, gradually progressing towards programming the robot's 'brain' to execute tasks independently. 

Kadimah’s approach 

At Kadimah, we believe in providing a learning environment that caters to individual needs and skill levels. For students who already have some programming knowledge, we provide reference videos and guidelines to help them structure their projects. They are encouraged to explore and experiment independently, allowing them to learn at their own pace. 

For students who are new to programming, we offer more structured guidance. If there are enough experienced students, beginners are buddied up to learn from their peers in a supportive environment. When necessary, these students work closely with our teachers, progressing at a comfortable pace through each lesson. 

​​​In addition, we strongly encourage students to participate in the annual Epro 8 Challenge, which we’ve been involved in for the last few years. Everyone in Year 5-8 participates in the classroom week. The top teams participate in the interschool competition. 

By tailoring our teaching approach to suit each student's skill level, we ensure an inclusive, enriching learning environment that supports all students in their journey into the world of robotics and programming. 

Conclusion 

The future is tech-driven, and at Kadimah School, we're preparing our students to not just be part of it, but to lead and shape it.  

We've seen firsthand the transformative impact of integrating robotics into education, fostering a love for learning and equipping our students with critical 21st-century skills. 

If you're looking for a school that prioritises hands-on learning and empowerment, get in touch with us.