In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, which focuses on integrating these subjects and promoting a more interdisciplinary approach to learning. The use of educational robots in the classroom has proven to be an effective tool to teach STEAM and for engaging students in a variety of subjects. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of incorporating educational robots into classrooms in 2023.

What are educational robots?

Educational robots are programmable machines designed to teach students about various topics in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Robot options vary greatly from simple kits that can be assembled by students to ready to go out-of-the-box robots. Further variations include the level of coding skills required to operate the robot. Some require advanced programming skills to operate and some are suitable for all levels of coding abilities (like Edison).

Why use educational robots in the classroom?

In 2023, the world is rapidly changing, and technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace.

Understanding technology, and creating technology requires a particular set of skills. Educational robots offer a unique opportunity to engage students in learning and developing these skills essential for future careers in STEAM fields and across the entire workforce.

Here are just a few reasons why teachers should consider incorporating educational robots into their classrooms:

1. Enhanced engagement and motivation: robots provide a hands-on learning experience that engages students in learning by making learning more fun and interactive.
2. Improved problem-solving skills and critical thinking: Coding is the process of designing and building a program to accomplish a certain task. Therefore, coding requires the development of a methodological way of thinking to solve problems, this develops a problem-solving mindset.
3. Real-world applications: educational robots can be used to teach students about real-world applications of STEAM subjects, such as robotics, programming, and automation. This can help to prepare students for future careers in these fields. You can find some exciting real world activities for Edison here.
4. Collaborative learning and promoting team work: robotics in the classroom can be used to promote collaborative learning and teamwork. Students can work together to program and operate the robots, developing their communication and teamwork skills. To learn more about the benefits of collaborative coding here or try a fun class activity like ‘Operation: Neko Prime,’ an exciting group lesson in coding, communication, collaboration and problem-solving.
5. Personalised learning: students can take ownership of their own learning by progressing through the lessons at their own pace. Edison robots cater to students of all ages and skill levels to help you meet your students where they are.
6. Fostering creativity: coding educational robots strengthen whole brain thinking by combining technical skills and creativity. Thus, developing a unique perspective, imagination and innovative thinking skills. You can try one of our Edison design challenges to see just how creative your students can be.

In conclusion, 21st century skills are considered the most important skills to succeed in today’s and in the future workplace. Critical thinking, communication, technology literacy and more are skills easily developed by incorporating educational robots into the classroom.

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Edison - Robotics Systems - Coding and Robotics - STEM (geyerinstructional.com)

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ALL ABOUT EDISON

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Edison is a robust educational robot designed to bring coding to life for students and help teachers deliver meaningful 21st-century education.

Edison is a programmable robot designed to be a complete STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics education for students from 4 to 16 years of age. Edison empowers students to become not just coders, but inventors, problem solvers, and creative thinkers. More than a robot, Edison's sensors and expandable build system open up pathways for learning across maths, science, critical thinking, engineering, design thinking, and more. There are no ongoing fees with Edison: all three robot programming software languages are free for unlimited users!

Designed specifically for the classroom environment, Edison robots are durable, have no loose parts to manage, and are simple to store.

Edison's robotic capabilities can be unlocked with ease through simple barcode programs. Students can then progress through three different programming languages as their skills increase.

• Ages 4+: Edison scans unique barcodes to activate pre-set programs in the robot – the perfect screen-free way for anyone to kick-start learning with Edison.
• Ages 7+: Intuitive and fun, EdBlocks is a fully graphical programming language that uses simple drag-and-drop blocks, making it ideal for introducing anyone to programming.
• Ages 10+: Easy drag-and-drop programming with powerful functionality and versatility, EdScratch is a robust platform for computer science education.
• Ages 13+: Text-based EdPy teaches students the core of a real-world programming language, empowering them to explore robotics and coding at a more advanced level.

Teaching coding, computational thinking, and STEAM using Edison robots is easy with our free teaching resources. All of the Edison programming languages have complementary teaching resources including lesson plans and teacher guides plus complete student activity-sheet sets. The student-centric lessons, written at grade-appropriate reading levels, encourage independent learning through engaging, hands-on activities.

• Rechargeable: Now featuring a rechargeable internal battery for limitless learning adventures. Edison can be recharged via USB with any power source!
• USB Programmable: Unleash creativity with programming via USB connectivity.
• Bigger Microchip: Unleash new capabilities with an upgraded microcontroller for advanced, faster processing and more learning experiences.

Build, create and invent

Enrich your kids’ STEM education experience through interactive engineering and programming projects by using Edison together with LEGO bricks.

Edison works with any LEGO brick compatible building system, including theEdCreate robot creator’s kit, which lets you create an incredible range of programmable robotic projects. Use EdCreate to build 5 different projects, invent solutions toopen-ended design challengesor make your own incredible creation!