Research predicts that in a little over a decade, robots will replace the 1 billion people in the current workforce. Especially in developed countries, many people now live in smart homes and use interconnected devices, tons of software and devices. These devices, which are included in our daily lives such as robot vacuums, allow us to handle many tasks without getting up from our couch. Knowing how this new world order works has become a need for every individual. It is no longer enough just to have basic social and cognitive abilities. In order for children to be successful and happy individuals, they need to develop skills that will enable them to be ready for tomorrow’s world today.
In this digital age, where the developing technology is integrated into every aspect of life, the adaptation of children and students to this situation is of great importance. The most important step of this adaptation process is the robotic coding training, which has been very popular in recent years. In addition to the fact that jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics , known as STEM in short, will gain more importance in the coming years, robotic coding also provides students with problem-solving skills that will be useful in all areas of life and in all career types. Parents and students who are new to the subject always have the same questions in their minds.
What is Robotic Coding?
Robotics and coding have entered the curriculum in many countries since primary education. Students get very excited when they see a robotic kit come together to form a robot arm or the small device they have programmed works, but robotic coding is actually much more than a fun activity. “What is robotic coding?” In order to answer the question, first of all, it is necessary to know the meaning of coding. Coding simply refers to the collection of written instructions that a robot or computer’s programs can both read and process. The coding process is a process in which the tasks to be performed by a robot are determined, the code is designed to perform them, and then observations are made. When robotic coding is called, the person observes and shapes all movements until the robot finishes its task,
Coding is now frequently used in all areas of life. Electronic devices that we constantly use in our daily life, such as microwave ovens, smartphones or our cars, show how coding is in life. Although the robotic coding process varies according to the type of robot, it needs knowledge in many fields from engineering to design and from design to mathematics. This field also requires one to use skills such as planning and research as well as knowledge and evaluation throughout the process.
How is Robotic Coding Made?
One of the most curious questions about robotics and coding is “How is robotic coding done?” the question is. Robotic coding needs knowledge in fields such as mathematics and visual design, as well as knowledge of different engineering branches, depending on the type of robot being studied and designed and the field in which it will work. In this type of coding, it is aimed to ensure that the robot gives realistic and accurate feedback. In order to do robotic coding, it is necessary to know Raspberry Pi, Arduino and similar software tools.
This type of coding also uses common programming languages such as C, C#, Fortran, Python, and Java. The most popular and frequently used programming language in recent years is C and C++! C++ language is referred to as object-oriented programming and is known as a variant of C language. For example, the Arduino tool often uses programming languages of C. Therefore, in cases where applied coding is done, it is necessary to know the logic of the programming language.
What Does Robotic Coding Bring?
In coding, which is simply a set of written instructions that a robot or computer program reads and puts into practice, students decide on the tasks they want the robot to complete, design the necessary code for this, and observe the robot’s movements to see the result. Robotic coding allows one to see the results of one’s way of thinking through trial and error. As a result, this process continues until the targeted task is performed by the robot in a healthy way, and thus the person sees the results of being patient.
One of the most important abilities that the robotic coding learning process brings to the person is the ability to think creatively and critically! A creative point of view is needed to make sure that the written code is correct and to determine the actions that the robot will make. For a code to work properly, it needs to be precise and specific. Often a first time code isn’t perfect. Codes with errors, naturally, do not work. In this case, in addition to having a determined and solution-oriented perspective, a sense of control and a cooperative personality are among the personality traits developed in these projects.
Another feature that the coding learning process brings to students is the ability to solve problems. Students who learn to be solution-oriented in the face of the problems they encounter while putting the robot together, do not avoid solving these problems as they have a good time throughout the process and do everything necessary for the robot to work. Robotic coding kits often come with an instruction manual, but some students don’t like it. At this point, trying different kits also improves children’s creativity. Robotics also allows children to develop their computer programming skills. Especially advanced programs require children to program their own robots.
Learning robotic coding enables children and students to learn and develop more easily in the fields of science and mathematics. Scientific theories find real-life counterparts with robotic coding. Concepts such as the use of electricity, voltage and power play an important role in bringing robots together. Simple and complex mathematical concepts are also put into practice as the robot is put together. Thus, students internalize these theories much more easily. In addition, while putting the robot together, the children also use three-dimensional geometric forms practically. Thus, children who acquire the habit of three-dimensional thinking also develop their perception of space correctly. On the other hand, the development of fine motor skills of children accelerates.
Robotic Coding Training
Robotics is advancing at an ever-increasing pace and our world is becoming more and more digital. This situation requires children to be intertwined with both robotics and coding in order to adapt to the changing and developing world. Many robotic coding training opportunities are offered to children to learn robotic systems and programming language. Today, many educational institutions both in the world and in Turkey, robotic coding education is melting under the names of STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) and STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Mathematics). These training programs increase the analytical thinking abilities of children and young people and enable them to be interested in engineering at a young age. Robotics and coding education usually starts with games and toys for young children.
BUMED MEÇ (Curious Child) Schools, which was established by BUMED (Boğaziçi University Alumni Association), which has approximately 18 thousand members, to raise children with the skills and characteristics required by the 21st century, also actively use information technologies in lessons. Information technologies, which further enrich and develop educational programs and course contents, help children learn in an experimental way. These courses, which are both practically applied in face-to-face education and reinforced with distance education tools, enable children to take many informatics-oriented education, especially robotic coding education, in an efficient way. At BUMED MEÇ Schools, students receive an education intertwined with technology, starting from kindergarten. Information technology courses where robotic coding education is at the forefront,
Robotic Coding Games
Especially introducing preschool children to robotic coding can be a very challenging process for parents. However, the new generation, called the Z generation, grows together with computers and smart phones. Instead of banning these smart tools, it is possible to use these tools to introduce them to robotics and coding. Many computer games and applications are opportunities for children to learn the programming language. New toys for children who no longer play with toys, computer games. Of course, children may not always prefer the games suggested by their parents, but both fun and educational robotic coding games often manage to attract children’s attention. Some of these games require kids to use simple coding methods to achieve the goal. For example,
At the same time, many websites offer fun games for children to learn simple programming language. These games, which integrate the favorite cartoon characters into their stories, manage to attract the attention of children very easily. Of course, computer games are not the only option. There are fun and immersive board games and card games among the robotic coding games. These games enable children to understand simple concepts such as conditionals, functions, loops and programming errors in a fun way. There are also many technological toys related to robotics and coding. Although these robot toys are priced higher, they increase children’s interest in this field.
Robotic Coding Workshop
The best way for kids to learn robotic coding effectively is to include it in their school curriculum. BUMED MEÇ Schools include this subject in its main curriculum, allowing children to feel more responsible in this regard. However, not every child has this opportunity in basic education. At this point, parents often prefer to send their children to robotic coding workshops and courses. In these workshops, children and young people get acquainted with robotics and programming language. Students, who have mastered the basics of the subject, thus nurture their interest in this field. In this way, children understand the logic of algorithms and develop their logical thinking skills. These workshops also get to know the basic parts of robots and get an idea of how to use these parts.