Technology is more prevalent in education than ever before. With this digital field consuming the educational sector, learning establishments are becoming more reliant on digital technology on a day-to-day basis.
As part of the digital landscape and its progression, educational robotics have increased in popularity in recent years. The increase comes in conjunction with a similar increase in the desire to study STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). Educational robotics is an innovative and exciting way for students to learn valuable skills.
But could educational robotics become the future of education? Does such a niche subject have the ability to dominate the education sector as the digital education field continues to thrive at dramatic rates?
In this article, we will discuss educational robotics in more detail, and discuss the risks and limitations to decipher whether we could be seeing more educational robots in classrooms across the world in the coming years.
Based in Dubai, the School for Modern Skills champions the core values of technology, creativity, and education in the hope that students can benefit from an exciting curriculum whilst developing valuable life skills to aid them in the future. We strongly believe that educational robotics could benefit children greatly.
For more information on what we do, visit our website or get in touch.
Educational Robotics: What Is It?
Educational robotics offer a hands-on, practical learning experience with the use of specially designed robots as educational tools. The innovative robots designed to educate the next generation, have the ability to teach valuable knowledge across STEM subjects like engineering and science, whilst vastly improving problem-solving skills from a young age.
In recent years, STEM-related jobs have been in high demand across the world; with more and more people gaining an interest in the subject matter, later resulting in jobs in these sectors.
Advanced technology, such as educational robotics, hones the ability to educate young people in these subjects, allowing them to gain valuable knowledge and inspire a passion for STEM subjects.
The robots in question are adaptable, meaning they can be used from a young age to begin teaching valuable life skills and educational material from the beginning of a child’s educational learning journey. The practical nature of robots results in a more fun and enjoyable learning experience at the same time as encouraging team engagement and collaboration.
What Are The Benefits of Educational Robotics?
In order to successfully integrate educational robotics into a school curriculum, it is essential to understand how it can benefit pupils and aid academic success. The benefits of educational robotics are considerable, meaning pupils can benefit in many ways from the implementation in their school.
Promoting Team Work
Robotic projects are often collaborative, encouraging students to work together as a team to achieve the project objectives. Effective teamwork skills are highly desirable in the majority of future job prospects. Employees look favorably on those who can communicate effectively as part of a team. Educational robotics has the ability to teach these valuable life skills from a very young age.
Encouraging Critical Thinking
Robots can be complex in nature, meaning any projects involving them may require strong problem solving skills and the need for sound critical thinking too. By learning ways to overcome various problems, the student’s critical thinking skills will naturally develop through exposure to matters of this nature. Critical thinking is an essential skill in many STEM jobs, thus, learning these skills early on will help students to excel in future career prospects with the ability to demonstrate solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A Practical Way To Learn
Robots are a great way to encourage practical, hands-on learning within a school. The concept of educational robotics will allow teachers and students to transform theory-based knowledge into a practical learning experience; aiding an in-depth understanding of the subject matter being taught.
Increased Engagement
The exciting nature of educational robotics creates a more fun and engaging way to learn for pupils, therefore, having the power to inspire young people to develop a love for technology and learning. Given the fact that the equipment requires active participation, pupils will actively be encouraged to engage with the robots, in turn increasing participation and engagement.
Future Focussed
As time goes on, technology is set to advance to new levels, in particular, in STEM subjects. The use of educational robotics is laying a solid foundation for young STEM professionals of the future; by creating an environment to learn valuable STEM skills from an early age, igniting a deep-rooted passion for these subjects- with the probability of robot-educated students looking to pursue a career across the STEM faculties.
The Limitations of Educational Robotics
Whilst there are many attractive benefits to the use of educational robotics in schools, it is important to be aware of the limitations to aid the successful implementation of robots in educational settings. Some limitations of educational robotics are:
- High cost- educational robotics are costly due to the advancement of the technology
- Teacher competency- the robots can be complex meaning that teaching staff will have to be trained appropriately
- Maintenance requirements- due to the nature of the product, robots will require regular maintenance and updates to ensure maximum benefits
- Not accessible to all due to the cost, robots may not be accessible to all educational establishments
- An over-reliance on robots- children exposed to this type of technology could become reliant on it
Whilst the limitations of using educational robotics may seem extensive, it is important to weight up both the pros and cons of this advanced technology to decide who it will and will not benefit.
In Summary: Is Educational Robotics The Future of Education?
As technology continues to develop at a rapid rate, educational robotics are increasing in popularity across the world. It seems that they could have a strong impact on the overall way children learn in school settings. The opportunity to learn alongside robotics will offer insight into STEM subjects and equip young people with the tools and knowledge to pursue a career in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematical field.
Moreover, they have the ability to combat gender stereotypes within STEM job roles and offer a more inclusive learning environment where everybody feels able to participate despite their gender or knowledge level. As a result, encourage a new generation of STEM professionals in the near future.
School for Modern Skills
After previously participating in the Matatalap Robotics competition, we have proceeded with our own arrangements to introduce a robotics program here at our school in Dubai. We hope that pupils can benefit from this as we continue to make developments on our mission of technology, innovation, and creativity.
As an award-winning school, with 2 innovation awards from EduTeach, we pride ourselves on a unique learning experience incorporating all aspects of technology, such as AI, into our thriving curriculum whilst maintaining a thoughtful sustainability program.
School for Modern Skills aims to be at the forefront of technology-led schools here in Dubai, whilst offering an inclusive school setting for everybody; including an onsite I-Hub and great sports and health facilities.
For more information on our school, visit our website today.
