Education

Top 5 Ways Robotics is Enhancing Learning in Higher Education

Published

1 year ago

June 9, 2024

In the university, robotics is no longer a matter of sci-fi conjecture. Still, a mainstream reality makes a difference in how students are taught and prepared for the future workplace. This article will consider the top five ways robotics makes a difference on university campuses. So, how is robotics making university learning more interactive, interdisciplinary, and impactful for today’s students?

1. Hands-On Learning Opportunities

The implementation of robotics technology into the curricula of our higher education has substantially amplified the efficacy of hands-on learning through authentic practical applications of the knowledge learned in the classroom. Robotics technology refers to the design and use of robots, which are automated machines that perform tasks with minimal human input, combining engineering and computer science. In engineering and technology education, for example, students not only familiarise themselves with the theoretical content in fields such as mechanics and electronics but can also experiment with them and design robots based on their knowledge. Through this process, not only can students gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge learned, but their abilities to identify and solve problems are also greatly improved as they can promptly identify and eliminate mistakes in the design processes.

Robotics can stretch student’s programs to the limit as they provide a hands-on, practical approach to improving reasoning and analytical skills for higher education. The coursework can be very time- and effort-consuming when students have an additional workload on their shoulders. In this case, a professional platform providing writing a research paper services can be a great solution. Learners can deal with their assignments more effectively, dedicating sufficient time to different projects and hobbies.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach

The very nature of robotics means that it interconnects multiple fields – engineering, computer science, mathematics, and others – which brings the benefits of interdisciplinarity into play but also inspires students to see the implementation of various disciplines in a robot system: programs written by the computer scientist used in the brain of a robot, at the same time being in interaction with the hardware controlled by an electronic engineer, and all this intertwined with the data analyzed by a statistician. By connecting different fields, robotics helps students acquire versatile competence and cultivates a kind of learning particularly suitable for industries that urgently demand it.

3. Increased Engagement and Motivation

The positive impact of educational robots in academic settings is well-documented, with a meta-analysis revealing a significant improvement in student performance, demonstrated by an effect size of g=0.57. This data shows that robotics improves student engagement and motivation and gives the classroom a sense of excitement and innovation. Learning about and immersing themselves in the expanding field of robotics allows a deeper exposure, especially for those students for whom traditional methods may be more drab and uninteresting. Coupling the curriculum with something that requires hands-on engagement with immediate and visible testable results, it is obvious why learning would be more captivating and meaningful.

4. Preparation for Future Technological Environments

Bill Gates once remarked, “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.” This insight aligns seamlessly with using robotics in education, as it subtly yet significantly prepares students for the future. The practical skills learned in robotics classes are helpful not only for positions that already exist but also for adapting to new technologies as they’re introduced and for putting feelers out for jobs that might exist beyond the proverbial horizon – the jobs that lie even beyond the next horizon as the technology develops and evolves. That’s a significant reason for the urgent need for training in today’s rapidly changing technological and employment world.

5. Better Soft Skills

Robotics develops technical skills and the vital soft skills needed for academic and professional lives. Here are four critical soft skills that robotics promotes.

Cooperation: For each robotics project, students are typically required to work in teams and achieve shared goals, instilling a sense of collaboration.
Communication: Communication is vital in teams and workplaces, so it must always be clear and concise so that everyone is aware of work ideas and settles essential issues.
Creative Thinking: The complexity of creative-thinking robotics challenges requires students to be innovative in overcoming obstacles or challenges when presented with a perceived problem with infinite solutions.
Adaptability: Students have different levels of experience with robotics when they come to class, and every assignment poses new challenges or shifting requirements as their designs take shape.

Developing these practices improves students’ learning and growth and prepares them for the teamwork and volatility they will encounter in their professions.

Shape the Innovators of Tomorrow

Significant changes are taking place in higher education because of robotics, and these changes make university education more interactive, interdisciplinary, and in line with industry needs. Through this exciting emerging field, students are more prepared to work using these technologies when they graduate and learning itself is more exciting and informative.

Author: Ammie Barger

Ammie Barger is an experienced writer of articles about technology in education. She loves learning how technology can transform the field of learning and covers that topic in her work. Her articles focus on educators and students and show them how technology can be used in the academic setting.

Education

Primary school application deadline reminder

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PARENTS or guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2021 – 31/08/2022 are invited to apply for a Primary school place (Reception year group) for September 2026 by the closing date of 31st January 2026.

Applications received after this date will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether your child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that a school place will not be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form. You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section.

For further information on the school admissions process, please view our Information to Parents

Parents/guardians will be informed of the allocation of places on the common offer date of 16th April 2026.

Crime

Former Swansea headteacher banned after exposing himself to staff

Published

5 days ago

November 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA primary school headteacher who repeatedly exposed himself to female colleagues – both on school grounds and during a school trip – has been barred from working in education in Wales for at least fifteen years.

James “Jamie” Richards, who led Cadle Primary School between 2011 and 2021, was removed from the Education Workforce Council (EWC) register after a professional conduct panel found numerous allegations against him proven. The panel described his behaviour as “harassing, abusive and predatory”.

Richards, a father-of-two, did not attend the four-day hearing, was not represented, and did not respond to the allegations. The panel therefore treated all allegations as denied but considered them on the evidence before them.

Staff left traumatised

During the hearing, several current and former staff members gave accounts of being left “shocked”, “numb”, and “frightened” by Richards’ actions.

One woman said she was summoned to his office and found him standing next to his desk with his trousers and underwear around his ankles. Another member of staff recalled him showing explicit images on his phone during a meeting, while others described a video he displayed of himself touching his genitals.

Five women in total told the panel that Richards had exposed himself to them. Some said they had been too scared to report what happened at the time. One recalled him saying he “can’t help myself” after an incident.

The panel heard that Richards did not return a school-issued laptop during an internal investigation in 2021 – the same device he was said to have used to display naked images of himself.

One complainant told the hearing she felt “silenced” and let down after Richards was allowed to resign while the school’s internal investigation was underway. She also described feeling “unbelieved” when South Wales Police later decided there was no criminal case to answer.

Concerns over dishonesty

The panel was told that Richards had refused to participate in an independent internal investigation at the school in 2021. He claimed, via his union, that ill health prevented him from being interviewed.

However, evidence from a Swansea Council fraud team contradicted this. Investigators filmed Richards driving and playing golf with friends at a time when he was claiming he was too unwell to co-operate.

Presenting officer Sara Lewis said Richards had abused his position of trust and had told frightened staff not to speak out.

Struck off until at least 2040

The EWC panel said it had no information about Richards’ current employment or whether he planned to return to teaching. However, it concluded that his behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and that striking him off was the only appropriate outcome.

Richards cannot apply for reinstatement until November 2040. He has 28 days to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Education

Pembrokeshire talent strike gold as Wales hosts WorldSkills UK finals for first time

Published

5 days ago

November 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WALES has hosted the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the very first time – marking a historic milestone for the nation and showcasing its largest ever team of competitors.

Following the Team Wales Torch Relay, which toured the country to celebrate skills and unite colleges and communities, the Finals brought together more than 400 of the UK’s top apprentices and learners who competed for the title of best in their trade.

From 26–28 November, events were held across five venues in South Wales, covering over 40 skill areas including engineering, digital, construction, hospitality and the creative industries.

The results were revealed during a medal ceremony at ICC Wales on Friday, 28 November, where Team Wales achieved an exceptional 57 medals in total.

Pembrokeshire College students excelled on the national stage, securing 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze and 2 Highly Commended medals. Competitors also delivered an impressive performance in Foundation Skills, bringing home 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Highly Commended – underlining Wales’ commitment to inclusive, accessible skills development.

This year’s Finals featured 122 Welsh competitors – the highest number Wales has ever fielded. Welsh entrants made up around 30% of all UK competitors, highlighting both the depth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of sustained investment in training and facilities.

Bronze medallist Mason Aitchison, who competed in Welding, said he was delighted with his achievement.

“After getting Silver at Skills Competition Wales, the WorldSkills UK National Finals felt like the natural next step for me.
I’ve put in so much practice to improve my welding skills, and competing has really helped me grow. Learning from trainers, tutors and peers has been invaluable – it’s all about building your skills through practice.”

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant praised Team Wales’ performance.

“I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Team Wales on their outstanding success at this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals.
Hosting the Finals for the first time has been a proud moment for our nation, and the achievements of our competitors highlight their dedication and the exceptional quality of vocational talent we have here in Wales.”

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, added: “These exceptional young people represent the future of our economy. They are the new generation of highflyers who will give UK employers a competitive edge. Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs and fuel economic growth.”

WorldSkills UK, the Welsh Government and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales welcomed leading employers, global industry experts and representatives from across the UK’s education and training sector to watch the Finals unfold.

Skills competitions in Wales begin at regional level through Skills Competition Wales, before progressing to national and then international WorldSkills stages.

Medallists at WorldSkills UK may now be selected for Squad UK, with the opportunity to represent their country at future global competitions.

For more information on WorldSkills UK and SkillBuild, or to get involved as a competitor, tutor or employer, visit: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales
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