Fr Magi Murzello, Principal, St Andrews High School, speaks on how the Robotics lab in the school is creating interest in STEM education among the students
Students are very excited about Robotics as it involves a lot of mechanics and hands-on experience. They look forward to this class always. Some of them have made creative things like boats using sensors, and tried them in a fish pond. It makes them creative and imaginative, and gives them the opportunity to apply what they studied. We are seeing a very positive attitude and learning happening. Robotics is the one class that students never want to miss. They are quite involved and into it. We have invested a lot of money in this and can see very positive outcomes.
Challenges
Initially, we faced a challenge in convincing parents about these labs for STEM education. Thereafter, we showed them what it was. Later, we moved onto get space, incorporate into our time table, and acquired
good teachers who could develop interest among the students. The teaching experience with a teacher who loves teaching Robotics and with those who have been asked to do it is entirely different. Fortunately, we also have a teacher who loves the subject.
We have started using Robotics labs this year. Students from classes 4 to 9 are using these labs.
Teachers’ training
ThinkLAB spent innumerable hours in training our teachers. They allocated a resource person to give a very growling experience. They ensured that the teachers understand Robotics and are able to teach it peoperly to the students in the school.
