Schooling must adapt to the changing contours of information technology and connectivity - Robotics

Schooling must adapt to the changing contours of information technology and connectivity. STEM education especially in computer programming and robotics is becomingly increasingly important day by day in all walks of the economy. Most of the low skill, routine, assembly line jobs are being routed to automated performers. Human intelligence is increasingly being put to implementing non routine tasks, flooded with new information, intelligent, autonomous and highly adaptive technology. Schools, therefore, must shape up the foundational skills of students, including independent, critical and creative thinking, curating and implementing new ideas. These skills shall prove to be integral to future job markets and to employees in order for them to be progressive and efficient. 

Left unexposed at early stages of education, most middle school students experience a mental handicap in science and technology. Such students then begin drawing away from the fields of computer and information science, engineering, and the physical sciences. The inculcation of mathematical, analytical and logical aptitude in students suffers as they are unexposed to the strategic problem solving and organisational training in STEM. No wonder the domain of information and technology has constantly employed toppers, nerds and geeks.  In a future job market constantly vetted with data and technology“ science and technology is increasingly coming out of the black boxes of 'nerds'. Technological infiltration will become deeper and broader in all domains of life including and most importantly, education and workplace. No vocation can then choose to ignore technological and professional productivity brought in by the information technology systems. Robotics education would therefore go a long way in creating productive workers, capable of being effective decision makers and strategic problem solvers, irrespective of their fields.

Majorly all the students these days are pro at basic computer skills and internet operations, long before they even join elementary school.  Ironically, sometimes even in high schools, students lack even the most basic knowledge of coding. The essence of coding is that it enables students to recognise the actual working of a computer, the real execution of programs and communication. Programming languages allow students to effectively  communicate with the computer, exposing its actual working mechanism, providing a deep seated knowledge of information systems and artificial intelligence. Most students and parents feel that introduction to computer programming and computer science is a course relevant only for college students. This is a MISTAKE. Students in fact must be exposed to programming at a very early age. Programming enhances and feeds on the analytical and logical abilities of children.

Contemporary curriculum focusses on integrated learning of Math, Science, and Technology. Mathematical skills remain absolutely important to programming of robots. Students are required to implement decisions regarding the actions of the robot which requires skills of calculation, geometry, optimisation and measurement. While students directly engage in computer programming, robotics can expose students to ideas of spatial concepts and geometry. The principles of physics, as well as electrical and mechanical engineering can also be delivered in a hands on manner as students understand about electronics, motors, sensors and actuators. Robotics also represents a great pedagogical tool for learning and application allowing students to hone skills such as problem - solving, strategic analysis, cooperation and develops their high order thinking faculties. Robotics exposes students to the domains of mechanics, electrical circuits, and applied mathematical reasoning, all of which are otherwise perceived to be bland and inanimate by students.

Most schools worldwide have started embracing digitisation of education however the implementation remains greatly superficial. Students however now need to switch roles from being passive consumers of modern technology to active creators and designers of modern information technology systems. Various tools are available that allow students from K-12 to learn computer pogromming skills. Scratch is a free tool designed by MIT media labs for children 6 years and above and allows them to learn and create various gaming and animation projects which they later share with other community members. ALICE is a free and open source 3D programming tool which teaches essentials of animation and storytelling to kids. Lego pioneered with Lego Mindstorm which is essentially a robotics kit containing sensors, motors, programming language guidance for kids and adults.

Most effectively, robotics can be taught as a part science or technology curriculum, however various cross curriculum paths are also viable. Educators worldwide have designed robotics curriculum as a mix of theoretical and practical exercises. It includes building complex robots, solving problems, optimisation attributes, multiple programming and testing activities, animation and gaming activities, as well as informal activities such as robotics clubs, robotics tournaments, various inter school robotics training and participation programs. Students are not merely supposed to design, build, and program robots for fun filled activities but they also develop research solutions to real world problems. Working with robots engages students actively in direct learning and creative problem solving techniques. Students are encouraged to take independent initiatives after careful planning and optimisation. Students create flow charts, plan their steps in detail, understanding the action and reaction fundamentals. group based activities and robotics tournaments and Lego leagues also enhances cooperation, leadership, sharing, team management, communication skills and various other life skill attributes. Robotics is a perfect way to inculcate fun in an otherwise complex and scary subject of science and technology.

Schools and education societies worldwide need to invest in robotic education resources, including training for teachers who must be made comfortable in embracing digital classroom techniques and incorporating the learning and understanding of these in their curricula.