Education

Top 5 Ways Robotics is Enhancing Learning in Higher Education

Published

3 months 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

Back to school reminder of free primary school meals

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AS the new school year is with us anyone with children in full time Primary are reminded that hot and cold lunches are available every day for free.

Pembrokeshire County Council extended the Universal Free School Meals initiative last September after free meals for all those in Year Two and below was introduced by Welsh Government earlier that year.

There is a two week rolling hot food menu offering tasty, nutritious, balanced food inclusive of all dietary needs. Popular choices include pasta bolognaise, meatballs, and chicken wrap.

There is always a sandwich or jacket potato option for children each day if they do not fancy a hot meal.

All your child has to do is to pick their meal option each morning at registration.

Concerned about allergies – our dedicated team of nutrition specialists can cater for any child that suffers from a food allergy or intolerance too.

If your child has a specific dietary requirement or restrictions please contact our School Liaison Officer via email [email protected] or telephone 01437 776168.

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham said: “Last year 925,531 learners enjoyed universal free school meals and we hope to see many more taking advantage this new school year. The catering team at Pembrokeshire County Council do a fantastic job in providing nutritious and tasty meals for your young people.”

The scheme does not replace Free School Meals for those learners whose parents or guardians are receiving qualifying benefits, which allows them to access other financial support for school costs.

This includes claiming up to £200 of additional support for School Essentials if your child is eligible for Free School Meals.

Take a look at the menus on offer on the Pembrokeshire County Council website and why not give free lunches a go!

Education

Four Ceredigion schools could be at risk of closure

Published

1 week ago

August 31, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FOUR Ceredigion schools could be at threat of closure if recommendations before the county council’s Cabinet meeting of September 3 are backed.

Cabinet members are recommended to back the start of statutory consultations for proposals to discontinue north county schools Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa, Borth, Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Ysgol Llangwyryfon, near Aberystwyth, and Ponterwyd’s Ysgol Syr John Rhys.

All four have similar recommendations, to approve a proposal to commence the statutory consultation process to cease to maintain the provision at [the relevant school] with effect from August 31 of next year.

The changes in the fortunes of the four schools are detailed in individual reports for Cabinet members.

Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa has seen numbers decline from 42 in 2020, to 29 in 2024, with a forecast 22 pupils in 2019; the school having 44 surplus places (59 percent surplus), and the cost per pupil amounting to £7,640 against a Ceredigion average of £4,635.

It also lists are predicted school budget deficit for 2025 of £3,368.

Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn numbers in the report are: 30 (2020), 19 (2024), 19 (2029), with a 46 per cent surplus of 17, and a per pupil cost of £6,978, with a deficit of £27,488.

Ysgol Llangwyryfon: 46 (2020), 30 (2024), 22 (2029), with a 45 per cent surplus of 25, and a per pupil cost of £6,321, with a deficit of £23,916.

Ysgol Syr John Rhys: 25 (2020), 22 (2024), 19 (2029), with a 46 per cent surplus of 18, and a per pupil cost of £7,949.

The report says that Ysgol Syr John Rhys also has maintenance backlog costs of £77,500.

In the individual reports it is suggested Craig Yr Wylfa pupils could be moved to nearby Ysgol Talybont or the schools acting as one school on two sites; Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn and Ysgol Llangwyryfon either forming a partnership with Ysgol Llanilar, or all pupils could transfering to Llanilar; pupils from Ysgol John Rhys pupils transferring to another nearby school, or a federation formed.

Ahead of the discussion on the future of the schools, a report for Cabinet on each school says: “Subject to Cabinet approval, it is therefore intended to proceed to statutory consultation.”

It adds: “If no alternative is suggested, the proposal paper will be presented to the Learning Communities Overview and Scrutiny Community for information before undertaking a Statutory Consultation. Cabinet should be satisfied that implementation would be the most appropriate response to address the key challenges identified as the reason for proposing discontinuance of the school.”

Following consultations, the final decision to close any school would be undertaken by full council.

Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith has said that if the Cabinet votes for such a consultation, they would immediately submit a complaint to the Minister for Education, saying that the council is not fulfilling its educational duties and is going against the School Organisation Code.

On behalf of the Cymdeithas yr Iaith Education Group, Ffred Ffransis said: “Not only are Ceredigion Council intent on undermining a number of Welsh-speaking communities and emptying them of younger families, but the whole process is also completely contrary to the presumption in favour of maintaining rural schools which is an essential part of the 2018 edition of the Schools Organisation Code. Ceredigion have looked at these schools in the context of trying to make immediate savings to their budget, and have therefore adopted a practical presumption against maintaining the schools, which are being asked to justify their existence despite their academic success.

“Furthermore, the Government Code insists that all other options must be considered while proposals are still at a formative stage – that is before a proposal is made. Yet the officials are proposing going to a statutory consultation on their established option and invite comments on other options during statutory consultation. If the Minister allowed Ceredigion to get away with this blatant disregard of the principle of presumption in favour of rural schools, then the whole government policy would be discredited.”

Community

Fun days support families over summer holidays

Published

1 week ago

August 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Pembrokeshire County Council Early Years Integration Team has been working in the Tenby and Fishguard areas to support families with children 0-7yrs for a summer of fun.

The Team works closely with Midwives and Health Visitors to run groups and parenting sessions for families from pregnancy onwards.

For summer the team ran some Family Fun Sessions as the school holidays can be very long, especially with the inconsistent Pembrokeshire weather.

They teamed up with local schools to ensure a ‘Plan B’ indoor space was available for all six sessions.

Three sessions took place in each area and luckily all but the last had sunny weather so the families were able to make use of the great outdoors.

The Play Works Grant was accessed to provide fruit pots and healthy wraps that families were able to create. The Healthy Preschool Practitioner from Hywel Dda University Health Board gave her time at each event to ensure this ran smoothly.

Local charities and organisations were invited to support the events, including Family Information Service, ASD Family Help who provided circus skill activities and general outdoor equipment and Citizens Advice Bureau who provided some fun colouring and badge making that incorporated messages around budgeting.

Small Woods brought a new dimension to the sessions with fantastic nature activities that saw children and adults creating brilliant bunting and willow wands.

Volunteering Matters rounded up some of their local volunteers who supported each event to provide a range of interesting activities including making crowns, light catchers and lanterns, as well as a drumming session and board games.

The families provided some great feedback as well as all the providers enjoying the atmosphere.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “These series of events have been so much fun and brilliant support for the families involved across the summer. My thanks go to everyone who has been involved.”

A total of 84 adults and 165 children attended the Tenby sessions with 60 adults and 106 children attending the sessions in Fishguard.

With the Early Years Team providing other activities for families to enjoy together, it created lots to do for all ages, a particular favourite was children face painting their parents!

Plant Dewi Project Worker Carys came along to provide some interesting ‘messy and sensory’ play and promote a new group (see below).

The Early Years Team are joining Plant Dewi to provide a new Families Together Group starting in St Teilo’s Church Hall, Tenby on Wednesday 4th September and running every week 9.30-11.30am.

To find out more information about what is going on in your area please contact Helen on 07774900140 email [email protected] and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EYITeam/