There’s so much more joy in learning robotics alongside your students

I’ve been involved in VEX robotics competitions for 12 years and have taught robotics in Year 7-13 at various levels

The reason I keep doing it is the competition allows for the technology process to continue during the whole year/season and not just a one-off event. The various levels of achievement (success and/or disappointment) that students experience is always a joy to see and the

By Stephan van Haren, St Peter’s College

As quoted by a VEX official at the unveiling of the new game at VEX Worlds: “Where do you see 20,000 students screaming their heads off when they have been given a year’s homework.”

There are two VEX competitions in New Zealand. The VEX Robotics Competition is for students in high school (or university), where they build metal robots with motors and sensors, to score more points with their computer selected alliance partner (another robot team), than the opposing alliance of two robots.

The VEX IQ Challenge is for students from Primary up to Year 9. They build plastic robots, to score the most points with another team and/or by themselves.

Different responses

In my classroom, I have students build and code their robots to perform tasks for the competitions. They respond differently according to their interest. Some like the competition and not the building, others like building and/or programming, while some like to hang out with like-minded individuals. The learning outcomes are varied, from learning technological skills, designing, programming, building evaluating, etc., to interpersonal skills like planning, collaborating, communicating and perseverance

The biggest challenge is for them to realise that, yes, they can do this. A couple of Year 10 students took a long time to become confident enough to enter their first competition, but once they competed they were hooked and are further developing their robot. The self-directed learning is something that they must get used to, but is very empowering

The main thing is do not be afraid to let your students give it a go. Buy the robot kits and point them to students.vex.com If you want to learn yourself go to teacher.vex.com

There’s so much more joy in learning alongside your students!

Stephan van Haren is TIC Physics and Robotics, St Peter’s College, Palmerston North

For more about VEX go to kiwibots.co.nz and education.vex.com