As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for individuals with coding and robotics skills is rapidly growing. This is why the curricula for Coding and Robotics have been developed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible citizens in the modern workplace that is constantly evolving because of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
In Coding and Robotics, learners are introduced to coding, also known as programming, which is essentially written instructions that a robot or a computer program can read and execute. Machine code, the elemental language of computers, consists of a series of 0s and 1s that robots need to fulfil the purposes for which they were created. In Coding and Robotics, learners use this elemental language to write instructions for machines and robots to complete specific tasks.
Moreover, robotics is the engineering discipline dealing with robot design, construction, and operation. The subject teaches learners how to think critically and creatively, problem-solve, and collaborate. The curriculum is structured to develop five strands in the Foundation Phase and then reduced to four strands in the Intermediate and Senior Phase. The strands are Application Skills, Problem-solving and Pattern Recognition, Internet and e-Communications, Coding, and Robotics.
The strands of Coding and Robotics are underpinned by Computational Thinking and the Engineering Design Process Methodologies to develop critical thinking skills. Computational Thinking is a set of problem-solving methods that involve expressing problems and their solutions in ways a computer could execute. The Engineering Design Process is a series of steps that should be followed to find a solution to a problem.
By studying Coding and Robotics, learners gain skills in computer design, programming, computer operator research, cybersecurity, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, specialised 3D drawing, software development, innovation and research, project planning engineering, and more. These skills are highly valued in the modern world of work, and the demand for individuals with them is expected to grow.
In conclusion, the curricula for Coding and Robotics offer learners an opportunity to develop critical skills and knowledge that will help them thrive in the modern workplace. By learning to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate, learners will be better prepared for the digital age and its opportunities. Moreover, they will have a range of career opportunities available, making Coding and Robotics a subject of great value for teachers and learners alike.