In today’s modern world, it’s not uncommon to hear discussions about artificial intelligence, robotic automation, and the future of work. The truth is, robotics is not just some distant concept that might impact our lives years down the line– it’s already here, making an impact in various industries.
In fact, robotics is becoming so ubiquitous that learning about its applications and possibilities is no longer just an option but a necessity. Robotics education in young children in grade school is a crucial step towards preparing the next generation for the future of work. It’s not enough to equip them with reading, writing, and arithmetic skills alone. Those subjects are essential and necessary, as building blocks for future progress in various subject. However, along with mastery in those areas, today’s children need to be fluent in technology and, in particular, robotics.
Minority children and young girls have been historically excluded from accessing technology, as well as educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics education provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap and bring about greater diversity and inclusion in these fields.
By providing minority children and young girls with exposure to robotics education, we can change the status quo. Students from all backgrounds can learn about robotics and become exposed to the various fields of knowledge and opportunities it presents. Through robotics education, these kids can build up their ideas of what’s possible, and even move on to specialize in more advanced areas such as robotics engineering or artificial intelligence (AI). Such diversity in robotics education could potentially lead to the development of robots that better serve diverse communities and address specific needs that might have previously been overlooked.
Investing in schools and education programs that encourage robotics education is an integral step toward building a future that is more adaptive, open-minded, and inclusive. By doing so, we can build a world where robots can work alongside human workers, augmenting and enhancing their abilities. In fact, investing in robotics education is not just beneficial for the community, but it’s also a smart business move. Robotics companies that invest in schools and education programs now will create an impact that can last for a very long time, and they will be early investors in a generation that will produce a high return of their investment. By supporting the development of the next generation’s robotic innovators, these companies stand to gain significantly as their products and services improve.
Some companies have already caught the vision of how investing in young children’s robotic education can be fruitful. One example of a robotics company that provides robotics education for small children is LEGO Education. They offer a range of robotics sets and programs, such as the WeDo 2.0 set which is designed for children aged 7-11 years old and is aimed at developing STEM skills and computational thinking through building and coding robots. LEGO Education also partners with educational organizations to provide teacher training and resources to support the implementation of robotics education in the classroom.
Another example of a robotics company that provides robotics education for small children is Wonder Workshop. They offer a variety of robotics and coding products designed for children aged 6-12, including Dash and Dot robots that can be programmed using block-based coding language. In addition to their robot kits, Wonder Workshop also provides online resources, lesson plans, and professional development for teachers to support the integration of robotics education in the classroom. They also have a program called Wonder League that hosts annual robotics competitions for students to participate in and showcase their coding and robotics skills.
We are not at a point where robotics education is not just an option but has become a necessity in today’s world. It’s already being applied in various industries, and it’s not just a future concept but a current one. Minority children and young girls, who have been historically excluded from accessing technology and educational opportunities in STEM fields, need exposure to robotics education to build a future that is more adaptive, open-minded, and inclusive. Companies specializing in robotics and (AI) can lead an uncharted path by investing in great young minds, and programs dedicated to bridging the technological gaps. Through investing in schools and education programs that encourage robotics education, robotics companies will not only build a better future but also help to create opportunities for their businesses to thrive.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, July 31, 2023
- Gursoy, G., Sahin, M., & Simsek, E. (2019). Robotics education in primary schools: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 129, 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.10.012
- Kandasamy, S., & Zondervan, A. (2019). Closing the minority gap in STEM: The role of robotics in educational equity. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0176-7
- Kim, M., Park, H., & Park, H. (2019). The effects of a robotics education program on children’s problem-solving skills. The Journal of Educational Research, 112(3), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2018.1489190
- National Science Foundation. (2016). The future of STEM education: 5 key trends. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov/attachments/136506/public/The%20Future%20of%20STEM%20Education%20–%205%20Key%20Trends%20to%20Watch.pdf