Challenging Situation¶

In February and March 2020, numerous countries around the world made a decision to temporarily close schools and educational institutions. Everyone heard the official recommendation to refrain from organizing onsite meetings, including training sessions and workshops, for an indefinite period of time. Suddenly, thousands of people had to switch to working and learning online.

People running educational institutions and educators, who regularly organize extracurricular classes for kids, face a serious business challenge. Small and large companies struggle with massive cancellation of classes, as well as with claims to reimburse tuition fees for lessons that have not taken place.

However, we came up with and tested a plan for the times of social distancing that can help you transform your local business into a distance learning solution.

Business Solution¶

Educational businesses, robotics and coding schools included, do have the ability to ensure the continuity of the services they provide, even during the time of very limited opportunities for full-time classes.

You just need to use the potential of activities organized completely remotely, i.e. online.

Distance Learning Lesson Plan¶

How to transform robotics and programming lessons into distance learning?

1. Students at home prepare the appropriate robotics kit and install the required programming environment (LEGO WeDo 2.0, LEGO Mindstorms EV3 or LEGO Mindstorms NXT). If they are unable to use the kit at home, they can temporarily borrow it from the company or organization that organizes the robotics classes. (Note: LEGO sets can be disinfected)
   If students have no access to robots, the teacher can conduct a lesson from RoboCamp ArcadeCamp series that allows students to program their own games in Scratch.

2. Teacher conducts classes via a streaming tool of a choice (e.g. YouTube, Skype, Twitch, Zoom, Google Classroom, Discord) on a predetermined date.

3. Students receive a link to the video conference via email or SMS and join it on their smartphone. By using a mobile device, students will be able to conveniently show their robotic constructions while learning.

4. Teacher introduces students to the lesson topic. Next, by using chat in the streaming tool selected, he/she sends students the link to the RoboCamp platform.

5. Students use RoboCamp building and programming instructions. With explained step-by-step instructions, students know exactly what to do and can work at their own pace.

6. Teacher coordinates group work and, if necessary, supports the students individually, by using the chat and the possibility of connecting with individual students.

7. All students, who for some reason were not able to complete the robot during the lesson can do it themselves after the video meeting ends thanks to access to RoboCamp instructions.

To actively participate in an online robotics lesson, the student needs:

• Robotics kit (owned or borrowed)
• LEGO Software or Scratch programming environment (free)
• Laptop or tablet (programming robots / individual student work)
• Smartphone or tablet (watching the teacher and chatting with him/her)

Access to RoboCamp Resources¶

To access RoboCamp robotics and coding lessons, together with all related materials and instructions, you just need to purchase a subscription. Check them out here.

Remember that if you have a small business, but need fewer Teacher Accounts, you can always purchase a Teacher or School subscription.

Wondering how to implement distance learning classes into your activities program or curriculum? If you have any questions about the business plan or what RoboCamp can offer you, send them to wojtek@robocamp.eu