Educators are unlocking the future of robotics

Local educators Nicola Basson, of Arbor Primary School, and Nadine Smith, of Pinnacle College Rynfield, traded their chalk for interactive robots, stepping into the interactive world of robotics and coding.

Having recently been selected as innovation ambassadors for Resolute Education, which is working hand-in-hand with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) in drafting and fine-tuning both its unplugged and plugged curriculum, these educators want to create a network for fellow teachers as they navigate the uncharted waters of technology-based learning.

Shortly before the Covid-19 lockdown, Basson dipped her toes into teaching robotics and coding as an extramural.

“Remote learning proved challenging, but the children were invested in the programme,” she said.

“At the beginning of 2024, our school was selected as a pilot school for the GDE’s programme, which offered unplugged coding and robotics to Grade One to Three foundation phase learners.”

According to Smith, learners have fully embraced the curriculum, enjoying the hands-on application of what they are being taught.

“We can honestly say that we are the last generation who grew up in a world which was not always connected,” she said.

“Children now are always plugged in, and herein lies the opportunity to show them the world that awaits them.”

The pair of passionate teachers explained that by offering comprehensive coding and robotics at the school level, learners are exploring the possibilities of forging career paths which do not yet exist.

“The curriculum is about more than programming inanimate objects to follow operator instructions. It is beckoning learners to break the mould, think outside the box and find new ways to reach the desired outcome,” said Nicola.

“This subject also seamlessly integrates subjects such as maths, language and grammar by promoting critical thinking and specified language use.”

With their palpable excitement, the duo continued by saying that the syllabus teaches vital computer skills as well as online safety.

“Children may be whizzes on their devices however, they do not know how to type on a keyboard, create a document or are not able to identify online threats,” said Nadine.

“Learning material like this and more is being rolled out to schools with the potential of fostering a generation of tech savvy individuals.”

She said that some educators are apprehensive about becoming custodians of technology based subjects.

“Coding and robotics is new to us all. We cannot run to a seasoned science or maths teacher for guidance in introducing new concepts, we therefore need to create our own methods,” said Nadine.

“With our titles as innovation ambassadors, we want to create a network for tech teachers where we can share ideas, beta test our teaching approach and troubleshoot new concepts.”

Nicola said that through establishing a community of robotics and coding teachers, they will be able to create an environment where children are excited about the endless possibilities the future holds.

“We invite technology teachers to reach out to establish a strong platform where we can support and share ideas which would further propel our subjects.”

For more information email Nicola Basson at bassonn@arbor-primary.co.za or Nadine Smith at smithnadine2@gmail.com.

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