Robotics in Early Education is Important for a STEM Future

Robotics combines STEM subjects that have previously been studied separately. Science subjects are frequently described as 'dull' and 'boring.' They see no practical application in the lives of children and thus become averse to engaging in pointless theory cramming and problem solving.

Fremont, CA: The greatest nightmare of today's parents is screen time. What if that same screen time could be put to better use? No, we're not talking about video chats with elderly nannies. Robotics, a branch of computer science, mechanical engineering, and artificial intelligence, is the new kid on the block that is capturing the imagination of the young generation for all the right reasons. While the older generation may wonder, "We never had to play with computers to become software engineers," the alpha generation is far ahead in making predictions for future technologies, and building a robot from scratch is simply a means to visualize their ideas. Not the expectations for STEM education, but a genuine interest in robotics, which provides a healthy combination of physical and mental activity, is driving their interest.

Importance of Robotics in STEM Education

Robotics combines STEM subjects that have previously been studied separately. Science subjects are frequently described as 'dull' and 'boring.' They see no practical application in the lives of children and thus become averse to engaging in pointless theory cramming and problem solving. An article published in the international journal of STEM education explains how informal education can spark interest in STEM subjects. Robotics are ideal for this type of learning because they pique a child's interest in relating classroom concepts to practical applications.

Schools are quickly adapting to this trend, not only to instil scientific zeal, but also to modernise teaching methodology beginning at the elementary level. Companies such as Kinderlab Robotics, Wonder Workshop, RoboLink, and others specialize in making robots for the Edtech industry, with science and technology-related programs to make learning interactive and engaging at the school level. STEM learning necessitates critical thinking and problem solving, and through robotics, a child learns to approach the knowledge he acquires with a solution-oriented approach, gaining reasoning and logic skills in the process.

Robotics for Autistic Kids

The appeal of edtech robots stems from their ability to adapt to a child's learning abilities. When it comes to teaching autistic children, this quality becomes extremely important. When compared to typical children, the needs of autistic children are vastly different. They struggle with using verbal and communication skills to engage with their surroundings and neglect learning STEM subjects. QTrobot, created by AI startup LuxAI, is specifically designed for autism students to impart knowledge through engagement sessions. Someday, Artificially Intelligent Robots may be able to decipher their language and enable meaningful learning patterns in STEM subjects.