Education

Top 5 Ways Robotics is Enhancing Learning in Higher Education

Published

4 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

College officially opens ‘state-of-the-art’ Energy Transition Skills Hub

Published

1 day ago

October 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire College is delighted to announce the official opening of its Energy Transition Skills Hub, supported by Shell UK, on the College site in Haverfordwest.

The Energy Transition Skills Hub is one of three being launched that will focus on providing people with the skills and knowledge to find employment in energy projects through an immersive and interactive learning experience.

More than 50 representatives from local industry joined Anthony Harte (Head of Social Impact for Shell UK), Paul Davies (MS), Sam Kurtz (MS), Simon Ames (Managing Director Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy), and College and Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams, as they officially opened the Hub.

During the opening Anthony Harte, Head of Social Impact, Shell UK commented: “We want as many people as possible to benefit from the energy system of the future. And we’ve seen this coming to life in Pembrokeshire with the first new energy transition skills hub. This is part of our ambition to support 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition by 2035. It is the latest important step to ensure the energy transition is an opportunity for everyone.”

Shadow Minister for Economy and Energy Sam Kurtz added: “The opportunities offered to students by the Energy Transition Skills Hub match the ambitions that Pembrokeshire has in the green and renewable energy sector. This is an exciting investment and a statement of commitment from Shell UK, Dragon Energy and Pembrokeshire College into developing the skilled workforce of today and the future.

“Pembrokeshire College has quickly become a real centre of excellence, and I congratulate everyone for flying the flag proudly for our part of the world.”

Aiming to train 600 individuals by July 2026, providing Pembrokeshire and West Wales with a pool of talent that will have the knowledge and experience of control systems needed for projects such as offshore floating wind farms and the Haven hydrogen power plants. Current Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams brought the learner perspective to the opening: “The past four years of my apprenticeship have been nothing short of amazing. Whilst onsite I have had the privilege of working with some of the most experienced and talented professionals in the industry and spent one day a week in College where the lecturers are just as passionate and inspiring. The blend of practical, hands-on work and theoretical learning through my qualifications has been incredibly rewarding.

“Today, having toured this incredible new process control simulator, and experimented with the software, I can’t help but feel excited about the future. This facility is truly state-of-the-art, and it’s going to further elevate an already outstanding programme in the energy sector. I can’t wait to make the most of this space as I continue to learn and grow in my field.

“The suite will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers, equipping us with the skills needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

College Principal, Dr Barry Walters added: “This cutting-edge Skills Hub will enable training in control systems for a wide range of sectors including: Offshore Floating Wind; Hydrogen Plant; Solar PV; Tidal/Marine and gas power stations and comes at an important time for the energy sector.

“We would like to thank Shell UK, Dragon LNG, the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Fund and City and Guilds along with industry partners and local Members of the Senedd, Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz for supporting this important facility which will not only train college learners and industry professionals but will also support the local community and schools by giving them the opportunity to understand more about how energy transition will impact the way we live and work in the future.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: “I’m delighted that UK Government funding, via the Swansea Bay City Deal, is being used for such a great facility. Pembrokeshire has an important part to play in achieving our mission for clean energy by 2030.

“This training facility will mean that local people will be able to gain the skills they need to access the good jobs of the future.”

Education

‘State-of-the-art’ energy transition skills hub opened by Pembrokeshire College

Published

2 days ago

October 11, 2024

Madeline Knox

Opening on the college site in Haverfordwest, the Energy Transition Skills Hubs is one of three being launched. It will focus on providing people with the skills and knowledge to find employment in energy projects through an immersive and interactive learning experience.

“Pembrokeshire College has quickly become a real centre of excellence, and I congratulate everyone for flying the flag proudly for our part of the world.”

The aim is to train 600 people by July 2026, this will supply Pembrokeshire with an expanse of talent that will have the knowledge and experience of control systems needed for projects such as offshore floating wind farms and the Haven hydrogen power plants.

Current Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams brought the learner perspective to the opening: “The past four years of my apprenticeship have been nothing short of amazing. Whilst on site I have had the privilege of working with some of the most experienced and talented professionals in the industry and spent one day a week in College where the lecturers are just as passionate and inspiring. The blend of practical, hands-on work and theoretical learning through my qualifications has been incredibly rewarding.”

“The suite will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers, equipping us with the skills needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

“This training facility will mean that local people will be able to gain the skills they need to access the good jobs of the future.”

#PoweringProgress

Education

Pupils across west Wales benefit from Welsh Water education programmes

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WELSH WATER has marked a ground-breaking year for its Education Programme, reaching 14,000 learners in west Wales between September 2023 and July 2024.

The education programme, which has grown since the launch of the strategy in 1998, offers a broad range of free and practical learning opportunities within classrooms. Led by the National Curriculum for Wales and tackling several topics, the not-for-profit company has expanded its provision across schools in the region – providing widespread access to teaching and learning resources.

The assembly and workshop provision, which targets formal education settings, encourages future generations to consider how much water they use, builds awareness of Dŵr Cymru’s role in the water cycle, and highlights the impact of disposing of items such as cotton-wool buds, wet-wipes and fat, into sewers. The provision also inspires an early interest is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), an interest in the water industry and demonstrates the breadth of career opportunities available.

The Education Team at Welsh Water has dedicated 155 hours to teaching pupils in west Wales through 96 school visits and 195 sessions, employing an industry-unique approach of annually seconding teachers for a professional development opportunity with the company for one year. The programme has continued to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools, who have praised the efforts to broaden pupils’ experiences, knowledge, and skills. All sessions are aligned with the four purposes underpinning the National Curriculum for Wales and are offered free of charge, ensuring a valuable and accessible educational experience.

Templeton C.P. School, said of their visit in March: “Fantastic workshop, children were engaged throughout. Fantastic delivery and excellent practical activities, allowing children to solve the problem independently and encouraged teamwork.”

Ysgol Croesgoch, said of their visit in March: “Interesting and informative. Great use of numeracy skills. Fun, interactive workshop that really illustrated how much water we use in a day.”

Claire Roberts, Head of Community Engagement, said: “We are thrilled to witness the remarkable reach of our Education Programme this year. Engaging with over 90,000 learners across Wales and Hereford is a testament to our commitment to educating the younger generation about water efficiency and the environment. Our innovative approach, including the secondment of teachers, has been instrumental in delivering a rich educational experience that resonates with both pupils and teachers alike.”

Welsh Water’s commitment to educating the younger generation about the value of water has led to a long-standing reputation within schools across Wales and Hereford. Since the launch of its education strategy, the company has worked with more than 800,000 pupils. The education program continues to deliver to tens of thousands of pupils every year, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills required to protect our most precious resource.