Extracurricular robotics and programming (1st Ed.)

Participating entity: Laboratory of Social and Digital Innovation (LISD) of UVic-UCC; La Noria School; Aprentik robotics company. Shared Extracurricular Project of the Remei Neighborhood, framed within the Vic Environment Educational Plan.

Description

The first edition of the robotics and programming extracurricular activity was a pilot action aimed at offering digital training in a context of equal opportunities for children in the Remei neighborhood. The activity was carried out at Escola La Sínia, an educational environment that had identified the need for an extracurricular activity of this type. The project was designed with a structure of 16 sessions, taught by the specialized company Aprentik, using a methodology based on hands-on learning and active participation. Each session combined the construction of robots with LEGO kits and the programming of these robots to solve specific challenges, adapted to the age and level of the students. These activities allowed participants to learn technical concepts of robotics and programming, as well as to work on essential skills such as collaboration, communication and problem solving. The edition concluded with an open house session in which students presented their projects to families, showcasing the knowledge acquired.

Participants: 12 students from the Remei neighborhood of the Noria school and the Vedruna Escorial school.

Objectives:

1. Introduce basic robotics and programming concepts: Provide children with a first experience with technology, familiarizing them with the operation of simple robots and the basic principles of programming.
2. Promote equitable access to STEAM education: Provide this training to all students in the neighborhood to ensure that they have equal learning opportunities in the technological field.
3. Develop social skills and transversal competencies: Promote teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking through collaborative activities.
4. Consolidate a network of Shared Extracurricular Activities: Take advantage of the activity to strengthen social cohesion in the neighborhood, connecting children from different schools through a common project.

Reflections

The first edition obtained very positive results, both in terms of participation and satisfaction of students and families. The need to improve the equipment and look for more accessible spaces for future editions was identified.