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Educational robotics has become a powerful tool for fostering learning in the classroom, particularly in K12 education. Integrating robots and technology into the educational environment not only stimulates students’ creativity but also enables them to acquire essential skills for the future. In this article, you will discover what educational robotics is, how it is applied in schools, and the advantages it brings to the development of key skills in students.

What is educational robotics?

 Educational robotics is a teaching tool that uses robots and automated systems to teach concepts in various educational areas. Through building, programming, and controlling robots, students engage in practical and fun learning experiences. This approach not only covers the basics of robotics but also promotes essential transversal skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Robotics is not just about operating machines; it is a way to introduce students to computational and technological thinking, preparing them for future challenges.

In Spain, educational robotics has grown exponentially in recent years and is being incorporated across all educational levels, from early childhood education to high school. This trend reflects the need to prepare students for an increasingly digitalized and technological world.

What types of robotics are used in schools? 

In K12 education, various types of robots are employed, from simple to complex, adapted to different age groups and learning objectives. Depending on the educational level and the learning goals, schools use different types of robotics:

1. Basic programmable robots: These are suitable for younger students, allowing children to intuitively program. Robots like Bee-Bot or Botley enable children to learn basic programming concepts through simple commands playfully. They are perfect for early schooling stages (kindergarten and elementary).
2. Construction kits: As students progress to middle and high school, the complexity increases. Students work with more advanced platforms like LEGO Mindstorms and mBot, which allow for greater customization and more advanced programming, including languages like Python and JavaScript. These kits foster creativity and critical thinking, as students design their own robots and solve complex problems.
3. Autonomous robots and artificial intelligence: At more advanced levels, students work with robots that allow sophisticated programming and complex projects, such as building autonomous robots or integrating sensors and AI systems. Arduino and Raspberry Pi are popular tools at this stage, where students can develop real-world applications like home automation and industrial automation.

Advantages of educational robotics 

Incorporating robotics into the educational environment offers multiple benefits for both students and teachers:

1. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving: Through building and programming robots, students face real-world problems that they must solve creatively. They learn to analyze situations, identify errors, and find solutions—skills essential in any professional field.
2. Promotes active and collaborative learning: Robotics often involves group collaboration. Working together on projects helps students develop communication, leadership, and cooperation skills, which are crucial for their personal and future professional lives.
3. Encourages curiosity and creativity: Educational robotics sparks students’ interest in allowing them to create and explore their own projects. This hands-on approach motivates them to experiment and discover new ideas.
4. Preparation for the future: In an era where technological skills are increasingly in demand, robotics helps students become familiar with technology, programming, and engineering, preparing them for careers in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, industrial robotics, and automation.
5. Motivates and engages students: Robotics transforms learning into a hands-on, fun experience, increasing student motivation and interest in science and technology subjects.
6. Facilitates understanding of abstract concepts: By working with robots, students can visualize and experiment with abstract concepts in math and physics, making these subjects more accessible and comprehensible.

How to apply robotics in education? 

Implementing robotics in education can be done in various ways, depending on the context, pedagogical objectives, educational level, and available resources:

1. Integration into the STEAM curriculum: One of the most common ways is incorporating robotics into the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) curriculum. For example, robots can be used to teach principles of physics or math through building and programming simple machines.
2. Robotics clubs: Many schools create extracurricular robotics clubs, where interested students can work on more complex projects and participate in robotics competitions. These clubs provide a space for students to explore their interests at a deeper level.
3. Interdisciplinary projects: Robotics can be a powerful tool in interdisciplinary projects, combining different subjects. For example, students can build robots to represent a historical scene in history classes or model ecosystems in biology classes.
4. Workshops and competitions: Robotics competitions, such as First LEGO League, World Robot Olympiad (WRO), or VEX Robotics Competition, are excellent ways to engage students in real-world challenges. These competitions encourage their desire to learn while solving complex problems in a competitive and collaborative environment.

How do educational robots help student development? 

Educational robots play a fundamental role in students’ cognitive, social, and emotional development:

1. Cognitive development: Programming and designing robots require students to apply logical and computational thinking, improving reasoning and spatial skills. Robotics fosters an analytical mindset essential for success in technical subjects.
2. Social and emotional skills: Working in teams to build or program robots improves communication and collaboration skills. Robotics encourages teamwork, project management, and conflict resolution—key qualities both inside and outside the classroom. It also helps students handle frustration and develop perseverance, as working with robotics involves facing and solving mistakes.
3. Motivation and self-confidence: Building a robot and seeing it work correctly gives students a sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-confidence. The interactive and playful nature of robotics motivates them to learn more and overcome challenges, making them feel capable of tackling complex problems.

Popular Educational Tools and Robots

There are various tools and robots specifically designed for education, each with unique features that make them ideal for different age groups, educational stages, or prior knowledge. Below are some examples based on educational stages:

Early Childhood Education (3-6 years old)

• Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot: These tools teach basic programming through sequential commands, spatial orientation, and basic concepts of logic and mathematics. They are easy to use and specifically designed for young children. Their friendly and colorful interface attracts children, promoting exploration and experimentation. They don’t require screens, making them easy to use in any setting.
• Cubetto: This tool teaches sequences of commands and patterns, logic, problem-solving, color and shape recognition. It uses a physical board and colored blocks for programming, making it ideal for young children. It’s tangible and doesn’t require reading skills, making it easy to understand and learn from.

Primary Education (6-12 years old)

• Lego WeDo 2.0: This tool allows students to work on basic construction and programming, develop simple projects related to science and technology, and learn the basics of mechanics and sensors. It’s highly intuitive, combining construction with visual programming through simple software. It encourages group work and helps develop social skills, as well as collaborative problem-solving.
• Dash & Dot: These robots allow students to work on block-based programming, solve challenges, and interact with sensors and movements. They are interactive and easy to control via mobile apps. They offer a wide range of activities that help develop programming and creativity skills in a fun way.
• mBot: With mBot, students can learn programming using Scratch, an introduction to robotics concepts, and basic sensors and actuators. Accessible and versatile, mBot can be programmed with Scratch and Arduino, adjusting to the student’s level. It’s ideal for gradually learning the basics of robotics and programming.

Secondary Education (12-16 years old)

• Lego Mindstorms EV3: This tool focuses on advanced construction and programming, the design of robots with multiple sensors and motors, and solving complex problems. It provides a complete robotics experience with the ability to program in several languages, including Python. It’s ideal for complex projects and robotics competitions, encouraging the development of advanced programming and design skills.
• VEX IQ: This tool involves modular design and construction, robot programming for specific challenges, and the use of advanced sensors. It has a modular system that adapts to different skill levels. It allows programming with blocks and textual languages, fostering creativity and critical thinking when facing competitive robotics challenges.
• Makeblock mBot Ranger: With this robot, students work on advanced programming, design robots with different configurations (all-terrain vehicle, self-propelled robot, etc.), and integrate sensors and motors. It offers more construction options than the basic mBot, allowing students to experiment with more complex designs and learn advanced engineering and programming concepts.

High School (16-18 years old)

• Arduino: This tool focuses on advanced electronics and programming, creating personalized projects, and integrating sensors, motors, and other components. Its versatility and affordability allow students to experiment with real engineering projects. It’s ideal for learning programming in C++ and electronics, preparing them for higher studies in engineering and technology.
• Raspberry Pi: This tool helps students work on advanced programming, application development, electronics and networks, process automation, and Internet of Things (IoT) projects. It’s a complete and affordable microcomputer that offers endless learning and experimentation possibilities. It’s ideal for students who want to explore programming and computer science in depth.
• Tinkerbots: This tool focuses on modular robot programming and construction, integrating sensors and motors, and developing advanced robotics projects. It combines ease of use with the possibility of complex projects. Its modular design allows students to learn about robot design and customization.

Beyond Learning 

Educational robotics is a powerful tool that goes beyond simple technological learning. By integrating robots and programming into the classroom, students develop fundamental skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. As technology advances, it’s essential to prepare young people for the future, and educational robotics offers a dynamic and effective way to do so. With a wide range of resources and tools, robotics can be adapted to all ages and educational levels, making learning an exciting and meaningful experience.