Coding & Robotics Education in Nigeria; The Benefits

One of my proudest moments as a coding/robotics instructor is when one of my pupils, 7yrs old Master Ike Chukwuebuka of Valida Intl Schools, informed me of how he was able to build a programme that can teach his 3yrs old brother how to spell words using scratch. You could practically feel the energy in his excitements when he talks about his achievements. His Innovation, creativity and problem solving skill is so amazing.
When we talk about 21st Century Education and key competencies, the whole echo-system on an educational institution has to be attuned to that. The educational institutions need to evolve an environment which is conducive to learning, a safe well-arranged and well maintained infrastructure which is suited for not only learning but for developing community and social skills and also fosters innovation and creativity.
Use of technology in everyday life is far greater than ever before and will increase many fold in the near future. Education leaders are waking up to the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education, use of technology and hands-on learning in primary, middle and higher education. Students must learn application of core STEM Concepts and acquire essential life skills in order to be successful in their professional lives.
A robotics lab is necessary in schools wherein kids are taught the concepts of Science, Technology, engineering & Mathematics (STEM) using Robotics. Robotics and hands-on learning solutions help Students Bridge the gap between key theoretical concepts and their real world applications; this concept is being used by global leading teaching institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, MIT and Tufts.
Robotics is increasingly gaining momentum in many schools worldwide. And while it’s important to note that teachers who administer courses in this area should advance knowledge in programming and other skills, students are reaping huge benefits, not just for the present, but also for the foreseeable AI future.
Here are areas in which learning about robotics at school can benefit students.
CREATIVE THINKING
Not many fields of knowledge incorporate creativity and fun simultaneously. Studies have shown that robotics achieves both. In fact, students love to partake in activities in which they have full control, something that is possible with robotics. And when learners are able to do cool stuff, they want to develop more features.
ENGAGEMENT
Hands-on learning activities enhance concentration and attention levels, because the more students learn physical skills, the more they want to continue being in the lesson.
PREPAREDNESS
With advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence(AI), driver-less cars, and spacecrafts taking shape every day, the present generation of learners in Africa needs to be more prepared for technological changes than any before.
PROGRAMMING SKILLS
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in homes, schools, and offices, a little programming knowledge will help everyone understand how these robots work.
PERSEVERANCE
Creating and programming robots is challenging. However, working through frustration helps students develop a never-give-up attitude. It imparts determination, which is crucial for any technological or scientific undertaking.
TEAMWORK
Robotics incorporates a range of skills, and thus promotes a learning environment for people with different talents. If properly harnessed, it also promotes a culture of teamwork. It can even be used to help learner who might struggle to learn in traditional classroom settings and its main goal to bring everyone on board through modern educational-technology approaches in academia.
TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO TURN FRUSTRATION INTO INNOVATION
Learning how to build and program a robot can be a complex and difficult process. Many learners will struggle with the concepts at first and often get frustrated. Coding & Robotics in schools can help these learners turn their frustration into creativity and innovation. This is a valuable life lesson that teaches our learners perseverance and determination when faced with challenges. Students learning robotics are able to channel their frustration into trying harder and aiming higher. All their hard work makes looking at that finished product even sweeter at the end. Not only does teaching students robotics teach them how to persist and solve problems, but it also helps them increase their maturity levels and prepare them for real-world situations.
FUN
Learning about robotics is fun – and as User Experience designers continue to improve how it feels to interact with robots, it will only become more so!
IN CONCLUSION
Educators must embrace the latest skills and knowledge for effective teaching. That’s why they should embrace Coding/Robotics, which is breaking new ground in learning methodologies around the world.

Chigozie Ohanwadi

For inquiries on how to set up a Coding and Robotics center in your school and train your staff,
call +2348063655341; +2348151488222
email: godigitechng@gmail.com; admin@godigitech.com.ng

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