Promoting STEM : teaching & learning engagement using education robotics

Educational robotics, pioneered by Seymour Papert (MIT) in the late 1970s took a foothold in the education sector, and never stopped its appeal in the education world since. It has been adopted by educators at every level of educational institution, from primary to tertiary sectors in support of teaching and learning of technology based courses. Its popularity stems from the inherent nature of the field of robotics to provide learners the opportunity to exercise creativity and innovative approaches in problem based learning. At Central Queensland University, an annual Junior Robotics Competition has been held since 2003. In each year, this event is a convergence of students, teachers and parents from over thirty in showcasing their efforts they have undertaken during the year. In preparation for this major event, the university will promote STEM through the use of educational robotics as a medium to introduce and teach students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The undertaking requires planning, acquiring resources and providing the different pathways to students of different age groups and the ability to gain access to this platform for learning. This paper presents the framework on the plans and accessibility pathways for a similar type of activity involving educational robotics to allow it to progress from its inception to its successful completion.