What is it?
A robot is a mechanical device that can be programmed to follow a set of instructions. Robots have processing units, sensors to help them perceive things in the surrounding environment, and motors and actuators so that they can move. Robots may also have the added programmable functionality of lights, sounds or speech recognition.
Educational robotics is a broad term that refers to a collection of activities, programs, physical platforms and educational resources. In addition, behind the physical elements lies a pedagogical philosophy that matches the new Digital Technologies curriculum.
The benefits of teaching robotics in schools include:
- students find it engaging and enjoyable
- students learn 21st-century skills, which are useful for future employment
- robotics is suitable for students with a range of abilities
- robotics develops students' critical and computational thinking skills
- it is an effective way to introduce programming to students.
Real-world examples
RESOURCES
Learn more about it
.jpg "Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre")
Introduction to Coding with Sphero
In this short course developed by St. Hilda's School, Gold Coast, students and teachers will gain the basic skills necessary for controlling a Sphero device by creating their own coded programmes.
Lesson ideas
How to teach it
APPLICATIONS & GAMES
For the classroom
CASE STUDIES
What other schools are doing
.jpg "Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA)")
COMPETITIONS & PROGRAMS
Students share and extend learning
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