Getting Started With Robotics, Microcontrollers and Coding
Coding and robotics are powerful tools for engaging students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and enriching many other subjects like literacy, history, music, and dance. They naturally support a student-centred, hands-on learning process and foster essential 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Specifically, coding and robotics help develop (Romero & Dupont, 2016):
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Computational Thinking
They also easily align with the cross-curricular competencies in the Québec Educational Program (QEP) and the dimensions of Digital Competency, empowering students to boost their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and social skills through teamwork.
What are some tools and platforms?
Coding refers to computer programming. It is the primary language between humans and robots and consists of a set of instructions that tell a computer or robot what to do. There are several different programming languages. Many platforms use drag-and-drop blocks, which are great for younger students or as an introduction to coding.
In general, a robot is a physical machine or object that is capable of carrying out actions autonomously. Robots can be programmable and have built-in or attached sensors (e.g. distance, temperature, light, inclination). With the use of coding, a robot can change its behaviour or execute a series of actions.
A microcontroller is a programmable circuit board that is ideal for special projects. They are great tools for solving specific problems and for animating or controlling toys and tools that you have made. Some microcontrollers even work with fabric so you can animate your clothes! Others can do advanced tasks like checking the weather, watering a plant, or running a website. They are surprisingly common – many can be found in everyday household devices.
These are external devices that can be attached to a digital device to provide enhanced capabilities, for example, 3d and vinyl cutters.
Electronic circuit kits enable hands-on exploration of electricity. They often involve manipulative components like lights, motors, or sensors.
These systems can learn, reason, and make decisions, offering innovative ways to personalize learning, automate tasks, and enhance critical thinking across all subjects, while also raising important ethical considerations.
Questions To Ask Yourself
Below are some questions that you should ask yourself before bringing technology into your classroom.
Pedagogy
- What are my pedagogical intentions and goals?
- What do I want students to learn and be able to do?
- What subject-specific and cross-curricular competencies do I want students to develop through educational robotics?
- What activities and projects will support their learning?
- What do my students know about robotics and how do I want to introduce the subject?
Management of Space and Materials
- How should I organize my classroom to facilitate robotics activities and learning?
- How should I organize the different materials?
- Do I want students working in teams or individually for a certain activity?
Digital Devices
- What robots and microcontrollers will best support my pedagogical intention and goal?
- How can different robots and microcontrollers be used to accomplish my goals?
- How will we make time for teachers and students to experiment with the tools and materials?
What support is available?
You don’t need to be a technology expert; instead, model risk-taking and learn alongside your students.
If you need support:
- Reach out to your School Board RÉCIT consultant(s)
- Fill out our Professional Development Request Form
- Check out PD opportunities offered by community partners like Kids Code Jeunesse
- Attend Provincial Conferences, ie. QPAT, LCEEQ, CCI
- Enroll in a Campus RÉCIT training course