Gaming in Education: Using Virtual Robotics to Implement STEM Learning

You may have often heard younger students in school complaining about how difficult their math and science homework can be, but they seem to do just fine with homework and assignments in language or history subjects. What these students don’t know is that learning STEM subjects can not only be stimulating but can be easy and engaging as well.

One of the most effective and useful ways to learn STEM is by virtual robots. Programming virtual robots take students out of the traditional classroom atmosphere and truly transforms the space into a new and gamified classroom while teaching new skills for the 21^st century.

For example, the integration of a virtual LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot in the CoderZ online learning environment has already converted the old-fashioned classroom into one that allows students to practice hands-on learning and actually enjoy learning STEM within an accessible environment.

Students that participate in coding a virtual robot and in robotics competitions such as CRCC, are constantly learning and building more skills for the future. We are always talking about 21^st century skills and their benefits, but we wouldn’t emphasize them if they weren’t important. The kids who want to learn and understand code, those who actively program virtual robots, and the students who strive to learn more about STEM are the ones that will benefit from these skills, and ultimately have the upper hand when they are sent off into the future of today’s modern world. Programming and gaming are not only interactive and engaging, but prove to be an enjoyable time for students. Students may not realize the skills and benefits they are gaining from this activity, but the skills will be more evident when it comes to their future endeavors.

 Virtues such as critical thinking, problem-solving, self-esteem, and teamwork are all skills that are fostered when students code their very own robots. Students that already show interest in fun gaming technology are bound for success when teachers bring gaming and coding into the classroom. In today’s modern society, phones are always by our sides, and for kids this means they can access video games and the online world much easier than in the past.

Most kids use phone and computer games as leisurely pastimes or maybe as a break from their daily school routine. The positive association between kids and online gaming will create an exciting and stimulating environment when this technology is integrated into the classroom, and as a result, students will be excited to learn STEM through virtual robots in a gamified environment.

We have all been familiarized with the games kids like to play, although this changes over time. First games became popular on gaming devices like Nintendo and Xbox, and today kids constantly have access to these games through their phones. If kids are excited to use their phones and play games outside of school, then it will make for a more positive attitude and an exciting atmosphere when it actually comes to using gamified learning tools and engaging STEM missions to build robotics.

In an article published in the International Journal of Higher Education, Dr. Charles Kivunja conducted an important study contributing to the findings of transforming a traditional classroom. He notes that in the new age of technology, there are more essential skills that are required for students to have when they head into the future. He notes that as a society, our core values have significantly changed due to technology. In this article, the author mentions a concept known as the 4 C’s:

1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Communication
3. Collaboration
4. Creativity and innovation skills.

It is necessary for the students of the future to not only possess these skills, but to actively practice them. Through coding virtual robots, not only will students learn STEM and develop 21st-century skills, but they are sure to enjoy themselves while doing it.

To try it yourself, register for a free trial of CoderZ. Discover how amazing the experience of teaching and learning with virtual robots can be. With no extra effort for the teachers, and with several new benefits for the students. We are here to make STEM enjoyable and engaging. May the code be with you!