Educational robotics is opening new doors for how informatics can be taught in schools. By integrating robotics into the classroom, students are not just learning coding and computational thinking but also experiencing how digital tools can solve real-world challenges. This hands-on approach transforms abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences that are both engaging and practical.
Robotics provides an active, playful way to approach informatics. Instead of focusing only on theory, students design, build, and program robots to carry out tasks. These activities spark creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, all of which are essential skills for the digital era.
Examples of classroom activities include:
- Using sensors to program robots that respond to their environment, such as robotic pets or automated cars.
- Developing projects that connect digital skills with broader themes like sustainability, for example, robots that monitor energy use or support recycling.
- Encouraging teamwork where students work in groups to design, code, and test solutions, building both technical skills and social competencies.
One of the strengths of educational robotics is its adaptability. Younger learners can start with simple, block-based programming and small robotic kits, while older students can move toward advanced coding languages and more complex robotics systems. This flexibility makes robotics suitable for different ages and abilities, ensuring inclusivity in informatics education.
Educational robotics also holds potential for inclusive education. For example, students with intellectual disabilities can benefit from the structured, interactive, and engaging nature of robotics-based activities. This highlights how robotics can make informatics education not only more creative and practical, but also more accessible.
Source: https://www.devex.com/news/sponsored/opinion-the-missing-piece-in-inclusive-education-110285
Informatics education becomes more meaningful when students see its direct impact. Educational robotics helps them shift from passive consumers of technology to active creators, equipping them with the skills and confidence to contribute to a digital future. By embedding robotics into classrooms across Europe, we can inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and responsible digital citizens through creativity and collaboration.
If you would like to see these ideas in action, don’t miss the third Digital First educational video, produced by Universidade da Coruña. It offers a glimpse into classrooms where students design and program robots to solve everyday problems.
