CODING AND ROBOTICS IN THE CONTENT OF SOUTH AFRICA CURRICULUM
A. INTRODUCTION OF CODING AND ROBOTICS IN THE SA CURRICULUM
In South Africa, the push to include Coding and Robotics in the curriculum has been the response to the global trend of integrating digital literacy and STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into primary and secondary education. The Department of Basic Education recognized the need to prepare learners for Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by advanced technologies and automation. The DBE began piloting Coding and Robotics in selected schools in 2020, with plans to roll out the program nationally. The initiative aims to equip learners with essential skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and digital literacy.
B. WHY INTRODUCE CODING AND ROBOTICS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CURRICULUM?
Fucture Workforce Preparation:
South Africa aims to create a workforce that is ready for future technological challenges.
Bridging the Digital Divide:
By integrating coding and robotics into curriculum, the DBE hopes to provide equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic background, to gain valuable digital skills.
Stimulating Interest in STEM :
Introducing coding and robotics can spark interest in STEM fields, encouraging more learners to pursue careers in science, techmology, engineering, and mathematics.
C. APPLICATION TOOLS FOR LEARNING CODING AND ROBOTICS
LEGO Mindstorms:
It combines LEGO buildings elements with programmable bricks and sensors to create robots. Learners can build and program robots to perform various tasks, offering a hands-on learning experience that merges creativity with technology.
ILLUSTRATION AND VIDEO DEMONSTRATION :
Video Demonstration: Watch LEGO Mindstorms in Action
2. Scratch
This is a visual programing language developed by the MIT Media Lab. It allows learners to create interactive stories, video games, and animations by snapping all code blocks together like building blocks.
The tool is particularly effective for younger learners as it simplifies complex programming concepts.
ILLUSTRATION AND VIDEO DEMONSTRATION :
video Demonstration : Watch Scratch in Action
SHORT CODE DEVELOPMENT AND DISCUSSION
E. EMBEDDED CODING AND ROBOTICS CAPS DOCUMENT
To access full Coding and Robotics CAPS document, please click the link below: