Moonpreneur
How to Learn Robotics: 10 Tips for Children
Robotics is a fascinating stream, and robotics technology has revolutionized the world so much that everyone’s path is laid through the field of robotics. Robots find applications across industries. They are used to automate warehouses supplying eCommerce giants, undertake sensitive surgeries, assist the International Space Station (ISS) with a robot arm for easy docking, and much more.
This intersection of humans and robotics is a gold mine of opportunities waiting to be tapped. Especially for the young learners who will rub shoulders with robots in the future. Therefore, parents should introduce robotics to their children as a hobby. Later, they can help them in learning it as a future stream. There are various ways to encourage them to learn robotics.
Benefits of Teaching Robotics to Kids
From coding to designing, the multidisciplinary robotics stream acts as an instrument that equips children with bits of information alongside fun. Here are the benefits of starting early with robotics:
- Coding: Coding is a language that helps interact with a plethora of modern-day devices like mobile phones, laptops, smart devices. Like grasping the concepts of any other language, children might find it difficult to understand coding at first. But starting early helps build a strong foundation. Also, coding helps build problem-solving skills and broaden the creative aspect of children.
- STEM: Schools have started considering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning seriously to build a strong foundation for a job-proof future. STEM is a platform that helps children gain knowledge via hands-on experiences. Robotics and STEM go a long way as both emphasize the powerful subject combination of Math & Science and hands-on learning.
- Logical and Algorithmic Thinking: Unlike traditional education, robotics helps in building logical and algorithmic thinking in children. The stream helps in analyzing and solving problems. The ability to analyze and solve a problem is the most sought after skill, especially in the futuristic workplace.
- Collaboration and Communication: Two must-have life skills! In the robotics stream, people have to collaborate with teammates, share their knowledge to execute a project. While learning robotics, children will gain the experience that will enhance these skills in them.
- Problem-solving and Creativity: Imagination has no ceiling but one should be able to wield it in a manner to attain the best results. This is where robotics as a stream shines. Children learn to use coding and programming as a way to interact with computers.
With time, children use their creativity to tweak and twist the codes to attain something different. This exercise helps in augmenting their problem-solving skills as well as elevating creativity.
Future of Robotics
According to BCG, the global robotics market will climb from about $25 billion this year to between $160 billion and $260 billion by 2030, with market share for professional services robots hitting up to $170 billion and industrial and logistics robot sales topping off at about $80 billion.
Robotics is turning automation into a smooth dream. It is predicted to open opportunities for various industries to increase productivity by building on the same.
Why is Robotics the Need of the Hour?
“There’s a way to do it better – find it” – Thomas A Edison
Need is the mother of invention! This holds for every invention or stream of knowledge. From carving the wheel out of wood to creating ‘Canadarm’- a robotic arm used on the ISS, every invention has a deep-rooted need attached to it.
Robotics is a boon to the development of society by arming industries and humans to maximize productivity in minimum time. It is helping mankind turn ideas into reality. Not just automation, robotics is schooling ‘Artificial Intelligence’ to attain perfection through human and machine interactions.
10 Tips for Children to Learn Robotics
The best way to go about learning robotics is not by jumping into it. Take it slow. Learning starts by building interest in a field and then nurturing the same by garnering knowledge & experience. This is where parents play an important role.
Here are 10 tips for children to learn robotics like a pro:
1. Start from the Scratch
Learn at your own pace! Start with the basics, such as electronics. You can always refer to the internet to learn more but the internet is like an endless reservoir of knowledge. So, look for good reads to build interest. Your child can start with ‘Robot Building for Beginners’ or ‘Robot Builder’s Bonanza’.
2. Take Baby Steps
Twenty minutes is the maximum time we tend to concentrate on something. So when your child starts learning, there is a possibility of either giving up or building air castles. Instead of making them learn robotics in one go, give them learning capsules.
The learning capsules should have visual learning materials and projects. This will help in retaining the knowledge garnered during the process.
3. Online Courses Work
It can be a tedious task to create a learning plan for your child. You may also miss out on vital parts in the process. The best way to go about it is to take your child to experts. Look for an online course that suits the daily schedule and requirements of your child.
The market is flooded with options but we would suggest being a little critical about the selection process. Opt for an online platform that offers 360-degree grooming of a child instead of mugging sessions.
Moonpreneur’s Innovator Program in Robotics can help your child gain hands-on learning experience. The program has 4 stages of learning- exploration, foundation, prototyping, and go-to-market. In addition, the program is designed to inculcate deep technical skills along with inculcating leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills in them.
The child will learn:
- Basics of Electronics components and sensors
- Basic of Electrical circuits
- Basics of Microcontroller
- Programming(Coding), C++, Python
- Design Thinking
- Prototyping Products
- Crowdfunding and taking a product to market
4. Reach Out
Learning should never be limited to one source. Encourage your child to seek assistance and guidance from mentors and experts in the field. It will widen your child’s circle and build confidence. Take your child to STEM robotics competitions to build interest and fire up curiosity. These competitions are buzzing with talented children and your child might be able to find a buddy with similar interests.
5. After School Clubs and Classes
For some children, a focused environment is beneficial and for some, a social learning environment is more fruitful. This is where you as a parent need to decide the next step. We recommend the latter one as it helps a child unfurl and connect with like-minded individuals.
Opt for clubs, extra-curricular classes, and summer camps such as MoonCamp by Moonpreneur to get your little one started in the right direction.
6. Keep an Open Mind
Mastering anything requires patience and practice. So don’t imagine that your child will master everything overnight. Let your little one learn, experiment, make mistakes, and start the process again. While learning something new, a little wiggle room is a must for proper growth. Learning robotics from scratch is not an easy task, but it is surely rewarding.
7. Opt for Starter Kits
Wish to build interest in your child in robotics, invest in quality starter kits. Opt for kits that are designed to keep your child safe during the learning and experimentation stage. Moonpreneur offers an array of specially designed robotics starter kits to kickstart the learning process. You can choose from Embedded Learner UNO Kit (V2), Robotics Car Kit, Traffic Light DIY Kit, and many more.
8. Start with Small Projects
It is always better to hone your skills first. Encourage your little one to start with small projects. Bigger projects can be overwhelming and may lead to a loss of interest. But this doesn’t mean taking on a project that restricts creativity or problem-solving.
9. Track the Progress
Encourage your child to write down daily agendas, while learning robotics. This will help in keeping a track of the learning process. It will also allow you to keep your child on track and promote self-paced learning. Believe it or not, this works like a charm to plan a better learning experience.
10. Share What You’ve Learned
Make it a habit to discuss the learning process daily. As a fun activity, you can team up with your child and take up small projects. You can even create short clips and post the same on social media to encourage more children. This activity will help build the confidence of your little one.
In a Nutshell
Technology is an ever-evolving aspect, and its rapid progress is opening doors to many possibilities. It will be best to groom your child for a tech-oriented future.
Want to make your child future-ready with Robotics? Moonpreneur offers a tailor-made program. Reserve a spot in our free 60-minute workshop today and introduce them to the amazing world of robotics and innovations!
Are kids truly able to understand the intricacies of robotics?
Of course! Youngsters are eager to learn and are like sponges. Early exposure to robotics stimulates creativity and problem-solving abilities.
What if my kids don’t think robotics is cool?
Uninspired initiatives frequently cause boredom as a symptom. Seek out tasks that correspond with your child’s passions, such as creating a robot capable of dancing or telling jokes.