Robotics in the Classroom
What are educational robotics?
Educational Robotics is the use of programming and robotic technologies in the classroom for supporting a student-centered, hands-on, minds-on learning process.
In the digital technology combos, Educational Robotics is a separate category from Creative Spaces, but can be used within a Creative Space. It is also a separate category from Digital Devices, but, for the most part, can't be used without them!
Educational Robotics can be integrated into your current practice where you can focus on communication and creative programming in a competency-based approach to learning.
View LEARN Quebec's video on Educational Robotics. To see the other digital technology combos, visit the pages on Digital Devices and Creative Spaces.
What is a robot? What is coding?
A robot is a physical machine or object that is capable of carrying out actions.
Robots can be programmable and have built-in or attached sensors (e.g. distance, temperature, light, inclination). With the use of coding, a robot can change its behaviour or execute a series of actions.
Coding refers to computer programming. It is the primary language between humans and robots and consists of a set of instructions that will tell a computer or robot what to do.
There are several different programming languages (e.g. HTML, C++, Java, Python) and the choice of a language depends on your intention. Also, a new, user-friendly form of visual/block programming (e.g. Scratch Junior, Scratch, Blockly) allows students to assemble ready-made blocks of code using the drag and drop method. This type of coding is great because it makes it easy to get started.
Example of block programming for the micro:bit. The temperature is measured by a sensor.
Some examples of robots or programmable hardware that you may hear about or wish to work with are:
Robots: Ozobot, Cubelets, LEGO WeDo, mBot, LEGO NXT/EV3
Microcontrollers: Micro:bit, MakeyMakey, Arduino,
Raspberry Pi
Why robotics in the classroom?
Process-Oriented
Educational Robotics is process-oriented and makes learning and thinking visible.
Students make mistakes - there is no right or wrong, simply “how can I fix it”. They then identify the mistakes, stop, question and problem solve (or debug). This encourages critical thinking about how to reach a working robot or program.
With Educational Robotics, students are not only learning the basics of programming and technology, they are designing, constructing, programming, and documenting their learning (journal, portfolio, blog).
Practical Application
Educational Robotics is a powerful learning tool to illustrate concepts and apply skills and knowledge in a meaningful and exciting way. Coding and robotics are a great means for integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities in the classroom, but also many other subjects such as literacy, history, music, and dance. Students are given the opportunity to work together to develop skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Getting Started
You do not have to be an expert in robotics in order to integrate them in your classroom.
Ask your students what they already know - you may be surprised!
Brainstorm with students a relevant challenge that could be tackled using automation. Try to come up with a minimalistic proof of concept to illustrate a solution to this challenge.
Contact your colleagues, TLT, local ped consultant, RECIT consultant, or administrator to find out what kinds of robotics are available at your centre or school board.
View the RECIT-QC resources here (in French):
Learning Situation
Here is an example of using little robots called Ozobots while writing stories with second language learners.
This learning situation was developed by the RECIT, Provincial Service for Languages for English Second Language learners and can absolutely be transferred to French Second Language as well as English Language of Instruction or English Language Arts learners.
