Personal Information:
1. Name (Optional): Arpita Jain
2. School/Organization: I Max Academy
3. Grade/Subject Taught: education and technology
Getting to Know You:
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about the setting you work in?
Of course! My name is Arpita Jain, and I'm incredibly passionate about education and technology. I have been working in the field of education for 12 years, with a focus on integrating innovative tools and methods to enhance learning experiences for students.
In my current setting, I work as a Director at Junior Engineers. Our institution is dedicated to providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment for students, where they have the opportunity to explore various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on activities and projects.
One of the key resources we utilize to foster creativity and critical thinking skills among our students is the Cubroid coding kit. The Cubroid kit provides an accessible and intuitive platform for students to learn coding principles in a fun and interactive way. It's been an integral part of our curriculum, helping students develop problem-solving abilities and computational thinking skills while sparking their interest in STEM subjects.
Overall, our setting is one that values innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning, and I'm excited to share how Cubroid has enriched our educational journey.
How long has the Cubroid coding kit been a part of your educational toolkit?
The Cubroid coding kit has been a part of our educational toolkit for approximately 4 Years. We introduced it 4 years ago as a way to enhance our STEM curriculum and provide students with hands-on experience in coding and robotics.
What sparked your decision to bring Cubroid into your learning environment?
The decision to bring Cubroid into our learning environment was sparked by several factors. Firstly, we recognized the growing importance of coding and robotics education in preparing students for the future. With technology evolving rapidly, we wanted to ensure that our students were equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Secondly, we were drawn to the accessibility and user-friendly nature of the Cubroid coding kit. Unlike some other coding and robotics platforms that require extensive technical knowledge or specialized equipment, Cubroid offers a plug-and-play solution that is easy for both students and educators to use. This accessibility aligned with our goal of making STEM education inclusive and accessible to all students, regardless of their background or prior experience.
Additionally, we were impressed by the versatility of the Cubroid kit. It offers a wide range of components and modules that can be used to build various robotic creations, from simple vehicles to more complex machines. This versatility allowed us to tailor our lessons to different age groups and learning objectives, ensuring that every student could find projects that sparked their interest and challenged their abilities.
Recall the first day you used the Cubroid kit in class. What stood out?
The first day we used the Cubroid kit in class was marked by excitement and engagement. Students were immediately drawn to the hands-on experience and intuitive design of the kit. One standout moment was witnessing a group of students successfully assemble their first robot, showcasing the immediate sense of accomplishment and empowerment that Cubroid offers.
We're curious, how do you blend the Cubroid kit into your curriculum's tapestry?
Integrating the Cubroid kit into our curriculum is like weaving a vibrant thread into the tapestry of our lessons. We incorporate Cubroid activities across various subjects and topics, seamlessly blending coding and robotics into our existing curriculum.
For example, in our science lessons, students might use Cubroid to explore concepts like motion, forces, and simple machines by building and programming robots to perform specific tasks. In math, they might use Cubroid to create geometric shapes and explore concepts like angles and measurement.
Through your lens, what key skills or lessons does the kit help you impart?
Through my lens, the Cubroid kit serves as a powerful tool for imparting a wide range of key skills and lessons to students. Here are some of the main areas where the kit helps us make an impact:
Coding Skills: Cubroid provides a hands-on platform for teaching coding fundamentals such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, and functions. Students learn to write and debug code to control the behavior of their robots, developing essential computational thinking skills in the process.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Building and programming robots with Cubroid requires students to analyze problems, brainstorm solutions, and troubleshoot issues that arise along the way. This fosters a growth mindset and resilience as students learn to persevere through challenges and iterate on their designs.
Creativity and Innovation: With Cubroid, students have the freedom to design and create their own robotic inventions, encouraging creativity and innovation. They learn to think outside the box, experiment with different ideas, and customize their creations to meet specific goals or challenges.
Collaboration and Communication: Many Cubroid projects involve teamwork, where students collaborate to design, build, and program their robots. This cultivates important collaboration and communication skills as students learn to share ideas, delegate tasks, and work towards a common objective.
STEM Concepts: Cubroid provides a tangible way for students to explore STEM concepts such as physics, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on experimentation, they gain a deeper understanding of principles like motion, forces, geometry, and more.
Digital Literacy: As students engage with Cubroid's coding software and hardware components, they develop essential digital literacy skills. They learn how to navigate digital interfaces, use programming tools, and apply technology to solve real-world problems.
Overall, the Cubroid kit serves as a versatile educational platform that empowers students to become confident coders, critical thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. It equips them with the skills and mindset they need to succeed in the 21st century and beyond.
Have you noticed a shift in how your students react to STEM, pre and post-Cubroid?
Yes, we have definitely noticed a shift in how our students react to STEM education, both before and after incorporating the Cubroid kit into our curriculum.
Pre-Cubroid, some students may have approached STEM subjects with apprehension or disinterest, perhaps due to misconceptions about the difficulty or relevance of these topics. However, after introducing Cubroid into our lessons, we've observed a significant transformation in students' attitudes and engagement with STEM.
One noticeable change is the increase in enthusiasm and curiosity among students towards STEM subjects. The hands-on, interactive nature of Cubroid activities captivates students' interest and inspires them to explore concepts in coding, robotics, and technology with excitement and eagerness.
Share a moment when the kit turned a learning light bulb on for someone.
During a coding workshop, a hesitant student named Athya had a breakthrough moment with the Cubroid kit. Initially unsure about coding, she successfully programmed her robot to navigate a maze by implementing a loop. Athya's pride and excitement showcased how Cubroid can ignite creativity and problem-solving skills in students, transforming their learning experience.
If you were to highlight the aspects where Cubroid truly shines, what would they be?
Cubroid truly shines in its accessibility, hands-on learning approach, creativity, versatility, problem-solving emphasis, collaboration opportunities, and real-world relevance.
How has it influenced your approach to teaching and learning?
Cubroid has influenced my teaching approach by prioritizing hands-on, experiential learning, fostering creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application of STEM concepts.
What echoes back from your students about their time with Cubroid?
Students echo enthusiasm, highlighting the fun, hands-on experience with Cubroid, emphasizing newfound coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
Looking ahead, what enhancements or new features do you dream of for Cubroid?
Dream features for Cubroid include expanded coding functionalities, more diverse sensor options, and enhanced compatibility with other platforms for advanced robotics projects.
On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate your satisfaction with Cubroid, and why?
Satisfaction with Cubroid rates a solid 9. Its accessibility, versatility, and impact on student engagement and learning outweigh minor areas for improvement.
Would you recommend Cubroid to fellow educators? Let's hear your why or why not.
Certainly! I wholeheartedly recommend Cubroid to fellow educators. Its accessibility, engagement, versatility, skill development, and real-world relevance make it an invaluable tool for teaching coding and robotics in the classroom.
Any stories, suggestions, or thoughts you'd like to add?
Stories: One memorable experience was when a group of students used Cubroid to design and build a robot to assist individuals with disabilities in their community. It was inspiring to see how their creativity and empathy drove them to apply their coding skills to make a positive impact on others' lives.
Suggestions: I would love to see Cubroid continue to expand its educational resources, such as providing more curriculum materials, lesson plans, and project ideas aligned with different grade levels and subjects. Additionally, enhancing the online community and support resources for educators would be beneficial for sharing ideas and troubleshooting.
Thoughts: Overall, integrating Cubroid into our curriculum has been a transformative experience, sparking curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among our students. It's incredible to witness the joy and sense of accomplishment they experience as they bring their coding projects to life. I'm excited to see how Cubroid evolves in the future and the impact it continues to have on STEM education worldwide.
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