Teaching robotics can be an engaging and exciting way to teach students about technology, engineering, and programming. The following listicle includes top courses designed to help teachers learn how to teach robotics effectively.
Course name: Robotics for K-12 Educators
- Institution or organization offering the course: Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
- Brief description of the course content and objectives: This course covers the fundamentals of robotics, including sensors, actuators, programming, and more. The course provides teachers with the skills and knowledge to teach robotics concepts to K-12 students.
- Duration of the course: Self-paced
- Cost: $349
- Format: Online
Why it’s beneficial: This course is designed for educators with little or no prior experience in robotics. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to robotics concepts, including hands-on activities and projects, which can help teachers engage their students and spark their interest in robotics.
Course name: Introduction to Robotics
- Institution or organization offering the course: edX
- Brief description of the course content and objectives: This course provides an overview of robotics, including topics such as robot architecture, sensing and control, and robot motion planning. The course also covers the societal impact of robotics.
- Duration of the course: 6 weeks
- Cost: Free, with the option to purchase a certificate
- Format: Online
Why it’s beneficial: This course provides a foundational understanding of robotics concepts, which can be applied to teaching robotics in the classroom. The course is self-paced, allowing teachers to complete it at their speed and on their schedule.
Course name: VEX Robotics Certification
- Institution or organization offering the course: VEX Robotics
- Brief description of the course content and objectives: This course provides teachers with a certification in VEX Robotics, a popular platform used in many classrooms. The course covers topics such as robot building, programming, and competition.
- Duration of the course: Self-paced
- Cost: $249 for one teacher, $799 for up to 10 teachers
- Format: Online
Why it’s beneficial: This course provides a comprehensive understanding of VEX Robotics, including hands-on activities and projects. Teachers who complete the certification can become VEX Robotics Certified Educators, which can enhance their credibility and expertise in teaching robotics.
Course name: LEGO Education Academy
- Institution or organization offering the course: LEGO Education
- Brief description of the course content and objectives: LEGO Education Academy provides a range of courses designed to teach educators how to use LEGO Education products in the classroom effectively. Courses cover topics such as coding, robotics, and STEAM education.
- Duration of the course: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- Format: In-person, online, and hybrid
Why it’s beneficial: LEGO Education provides a variety of courses that can be tailored to meet the needs of different educators and teaching environments. The courses offer hands-on training in using LEGO Education products, which can help teachers engage their students and make learning fun.
Course name: Introduction to Robotics: Building and Programming Robots Using LEGO EV3
- Institution or organization offering the course: Coursera
- Brief description of the course content and objectives: This course teaches teachers how to build and program LEGO EV3 robots. The course covers topics such as robot design, programming, and sensors.
- Duration of the course: 6 weeks
- Cost: Free, with the option to purchase a certificate
- Format: Online
Why it’s beneficial: This course provides teachers with the skills and knowledge to teach robotics using LEGO EV3 effectively. The course offers a hands-on approach to teaching robotics, which can help teachers engage their students and make learning fun. Additionally, the course is self-paced, allowing teachers to complete it at their speed and on their schedule.
These courses provide valuable resources for teachers looking to improve their robotics instruction skills. By taking these courses, teachers can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach robotics concepts to their students, spark their interest in technology and engineering, and better prepare them for the future workforce.