Education was solely focused on theory in the past. Even areas that need a great deal of actual expertise, like science, computers, and robots, were limited to just theoretical understanding. Digital classrooms and interactive e-learning solutions, on the other hand, are currently becoming more and more common in the Indian educational system as a result of the integration of technology into teaching-learning processes.
Coding and robotics are now part of the curriculum at schools as they realize the need to train kids for the needs of the tech industry. Additionally, it improves kids’ 21st-century skills while also fostering their interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Coding & Robotics
Coding and robotics are all about empowering students, whether it’s encouraging their creativity or spurring innovation.
The Government of India built Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in numerous schools around the nation to empower youngsters. Students are required to get practical experience as part of this effort in order to comprehend the ideas behind STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles and their applications. Additionally, the planned National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the use of coding beginning in grade 6.
Benefits of Teaching Coding & Robotics
Children can learn and refine their abilities while being exposed to a wide range of opportunities through coding and robotics. These are a few of them:
Unconventional thinking
Coding and robotics help young people use their imaginations to create and make the most of theoretical ideas, which encourages them to think outside the box.
Perseverance
Robot development, design, and programming are difficult tasks. Children gain a strong and determined mindset to accomplish their goals when they navigate challenging conditions.
Collaboration and teamwork
Students must take on responsibilities and collaborate in groups to build a robot from scratch. Students gain teamwork skills and a collaborative learning environment as a result.
Decision-making ability
The method for developing and programming a robot is flexible. To find the approach best suited to their abilities, students should be encouraged to consider many options, analyze them, and use logic and reasoning. As a result, their ability for decision-making will be improved, giving them the capacity to make choices on their own.
Problem-solving ability
Achieving 100 percent success in designing and programming the robot on the first attempt might not always be possible. Therefore, students should be encouraged to think differently to fix the problems. This will help to develop their problem-solving skills.
Application of knowledge
A subject becomes interesting when theoretical knowledge is complemented by hands-on activities. Thus, it is essential to include practical applications, along with theoretical knowledge, to explore robotics and coding. This makes it easier for students to understand the concept and intricacies of robot programming.
Interdisciplinarity in learning
Coding and robotics go hand in hand. Knowledge of both robotics and programming is necessary to create a fully-functional robot. This makes robotics interdisciplinary and gives students a fantastic opportunity to master STEM subjects.
A plethora of career paths
Robotics presents a wide range of career opportunities for students based on their interests since it employs several mechanical, electrical, and IT principles.
Thus, including coding and robotics in the K–12 curriculum encourages children to think creatively and better understand STEM topics, establishing the foundation for learning and preparing them for the future.