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The robotic future of Windhoek Gymnasium

William Titus

Rapid changes in the world, including technological advancement, shifting workforce demands, and pressures of economic competitiveness are redefining the broad skill sets that students need to be adequately prepared to participate in and contribute to today’s society.

Because of this, Windhoek Gymnasium has made robotics compulsory in their curriculum for grades 2 to 6. This decision was based on the STEAM concept which stands for integrating science, technology, engineering arts and mathematics. In an interview with Mr. DJ Strauss, the robotics guru of Windhoek Gymnasium said they implemented robotics for 21st century learning. “We’re preparing the learners for the world that awaits them. We use LEGOS to make it easy for the learners to learn and in this way, we indirectly teach them to programme as well as solve several problems as a team of 3. The learners use laptops to do the programming and this creates an environment in which they can teach each other. They learn through practical application by constructing LEGO robots from LEGO education.”

Strauss went on to say that the learners program the robots to preform sets of tasks to complete the teams’ mission.

Educational robotics aids in developing learners for the future to come. It teaches through discovery. Discovery of how one thinks, how to collaborate and interact with partners by communicating and grasping group dynamics to accomplish the tasks at hand. Therefore, educational robotics is a unique vehicle to address these critical skills and comprises educational activities that support and strengthen specific areas of knowledge needed to adapt to the shifting workforce demands.

Learning through play may seem far-fetched or unlikely to many. However, the school has discovered that when learners have the opportunity to hold a physical object in their hands, concepts that make use of the five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing) are easier to grasp. The concepts, theory and skills learned behind constructing these robots are deeply embedded in the leaners’ brains because all senses are engaged, meaning effective learning takes place. Furthermore, learners develop social skills e.g. sharing, taking turns, negotiating, compromising, collaboration and leadership which are all skills need for successful adulthood.

“Robotics is the future, whether good or bad, we have to prepare the learners for the robotic future that awaits them. By introducing robotics to learners at a young age they will be prepared for their adulthood,” Strauss commented.