Educators on all levels — teachers, principals, and superintendents — know the value of learning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and focusing on technology in education.
Robotics takes education technology to a new level, creating the next evolution in teaching. That’s because introducing robotics to schools means making STEM skills and knowledge hands-on and fun, to prepare students for the future in a way that feels more like creativity and less like homework.
Robotics requires all of the subjects of STEM, so it’s a well-rounded approach to educational technology and learning.
Why Robotics?
Robots have always been a captivating piece of technology, programmable to move, make noise, light up, and follow instructions as directed. There is nothing quite as fun — and educational — as building one’s own robot and setting it through the paces of a race, an activity or a challenge.
In the school setting, robots encourage problem-solving, creative thinking, and a healthy sense of competition that drives innovation from students.
Programming and other STEM concepts can seem very abstract, especially to younger students. Reading about technology or robotics in a book is perhaps the traditional way to learn, but putting that theory into practice by building or controlling a robot is hands-on learning that sticks around for the future. It also takes teamwork to make a robotics project run smoothly, and that’s a skill everyone needs.
That doesn’t mean that robotics is an easy part of STEM. In fact, this education technology can be a challenge for some learners — but a good challenge. As students improve with robotics and programming, they learn determination, perseverance, and how to plan and process with technology. These are all skills that will further their continuing education, and their future career prospects.
As another benefit, robotics is a widespread education technology that could lead to more community and educational opportunities. From robotics competitions to showcases for friends and family, robotics drives community involvement, giving students something of which they can be proud.
Encouraging Students with STEM
Robotics is a fun way to bring STEM to life, and that’s important because STEM is the key to a successful future for students with the interest and motivation to pursue careers in this field.
Why encourage students to pursue STEM? For many, the potential money talks. Out of 100 STEM occupations, 93 percent of them had wages above the national average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At the same time, according to the US Department of Labor’s projections, US universities are expected to produce only 29 percent of the required number of graduates to fill 1.4 million computer specialist job openings. And before they can get to that point, the prospects are grim: just 36 percent of all high school graduates are prepared to take a college-level science course (National Math & Science Initiative).
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