Welcome to this month’s edition of Drive Forward News!
Jump to a section to read more:
The Joys and Triumphs of Being a VEX Robotics Coach
Building Confidence in Robotics: A Teacher’s Guide to the New School Year
Spotted on Social Media: Summer Builds and Learning Robotics
Reflecting on Our Summer Adventures: June and July Highlights
Catch Jason McKenna at the University of the Philippines Diliman!
The Joys and Triumphs of Being a VEX Robotics Coach
The role of a VEX Robotics Competition Coach can be rewarding for anyone who decides to help lead a team. It’s filled with moments of inspiration, creativity, and profound impact. Coaches guide students through competitions, foster innovation, and build a strong sense of community. This article delves into some of the experiences and joys of being a VEX Robotics coach, highlighting the insights shared by coaches from various backgrounds and locations.
One of the core joys of coaching VEX Robotics is witnessing the transformation of students as they turn their ideas into reality. The initial steps in coding, the successful execution of a complex maneuver, and the ingenious solutions to engineering challenges all serve as milestones in a student’s journey—as Dwayne Cabaniss from Chesterfield, VA, says, “Patience, patience, patience. You’ll be dealing with young minds that are often brimming with ideas. Guiding them to refine these ideas into functional robots is where the magic happens.”
For many coaches, the thrill lies in these moments of triumph, often following hours of perseverance and problem-solving. These experiences reinforce why they dedicate their time and energy to this program. The joy in the student’s eyes when they achieve a breakthrough, is unmatched, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of their role.
Coaching VEX Robotics also means building a community where students feel supported and encouraged to explore their potential. This supportive environment is crucial for personal and academic growth. Jeffrey Muhlenkort from Red River High School in Grand Forks, ND, shared, “Regularly take part inventory and ask teams to respect and maintain it. It teaches responsibility and care for their tools and projects, fostering a deeper connection to their work.” This sense of ownership and responsibility is a significant part of the learning process, contributing to the student’s overall development.
The transformation of students is not limited to technical skills but extends to their ability to collaborate, communicate, and lead. David Reed from St. Landry Parish, Opelousas, LA, highlighted this aspect by sharing, “I have two favorite memories that spread two years apart. The first was watching a timid student grow into a confident leader. The second was seeing that same student mentor others, passing on the skills and confidence they had gained.” This evolution from a hesitant participant to a guiding force for peers is a testament to the profound impact that VEX Robotics coaching can have on young minds.
Moreover, the camaraderie among coaches and the broader VEX community is invaluable. Sharing tips, celebrating victories, and even commiserating over setbacks with fellow coaches creates a network of support that extends far beyond individual competitions. Guo Liang from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China emphasized the importance of community in a coach’s journey, stating, “Gather the enthusiasm of students. Their energy is contagious and can drive the whole team forward. And never underestimate the value of connecting with other coaches; their experiences and advice can be incredibly enriching.”
The sense of community is not limited to interactions among coaches but also includes the students and their families. The support and encouragement from parents and guardians play a critical role in the success of VEX teams. Coaches often find that involving families in the journey enhances the experience for everyone. This broader support system ensures that students receive the encouragement they need inside and outside the classroom.
The joy of coaching VEX Robotics also comes from the diversity of the challenges and the innovative solutions students bring. Each season brings new problems to solve, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Coaches like Muhlenkort appreciate the continual learning process, noting, “Not all the Pneumatics are threaded the same way. Learning these small but crucial details is part of the fun and challenge of VEX Robotics.” This constant evolution keeps both coaches and students engaged and motivated.
Being a VEX Robotics coach is about more than just robots; it’s about nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning. The role involves:
- Guiding students through technical challenges.
- Fostering a supportive community.
- Celebrating the growth and achievements of each team member.
For anyone considering stepping into this role, the rewards are profound, and the impact they make will resonate for years to come.
As coaches reflect on their journeys, they often express a deep sense of fulfillment and pride in their students’ accomplishments. The memories created, the skills developed, and the bonds formed through VEX Robotics are lasting and meaningful. For Guo Liang, the key takeaway is simple yet powerful: “The enthusiasm of the students and the community’s support make all the difference. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the victories, big and small.”
Being a VEX Robotics Coach is a unique and enriching journey filled with moments of joy, learning, and community building. The insights and experiences these dedicated coaches share highlight the transformative power of robotics education. As the VEX community continues to grow, the collective efforts of coaches, students, and families will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.
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Building Confidence in Robotics: A Teacher’s Guide to the New School Year
As the new school year approaches, many educators prepare their classrooms and reflect on their teaching strategies. For those introducing robotics, the journey can seem daunting. However, Audra Selkowitz, a senior education developer at VEX Robotics with over 15 years of teaching experience, offers valuable insights to make this transition smooth and exciting.
Demystifying Robotics For Educators
“The biggest thing to remember about starting with robotics is not to be scared of it,” says Audra. “Even if you’ve never coded before, you can start with simple, manageable tasks.” She emphasizes that coding with robotics can begin with basic actions like driving a robot from point A to point B. This approach mirrors teaching reading, where educators start with phonics before progressing to more complex texts. Similarly, robotics begins with simple projects and gradually builds up.
Utilizing Available Resources
Audra highlights the importance of using the resources available on VEX’s Teach pages (STEM Labs). “These hubs are great resources that provide videos, curricular links, professional development, and training materials,” she explains. Whether you’re teaching VEX 123, GO, IQ, or EXP, these pages offer a centralized place to start. “Start with what makes sense to you. You don’t need to plan an entire year’s curriculum. Begin with one or two activities to get comfortable.”
Building a Collaborative Classroom Culture
Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is crucial. “Students need to feel comfortable and confident to admit their mistakes and learn from them,” Audra notes. Establishing trust and building relationships are foundational to effective teaching. As you prepare for the new school year, focus on building a culture where students feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. This trust allows students to engage more deeply and take risks in their learning.
Learning Alongside Students
Audra encourages teachers to adopt a mindset of learning alongside their students. “You don’t have to have all the answers before you start,” she reassures. Start with a few activities and be open to learning together. This approach enhances the learning experience and models resilience and curiosity for your students. “There will be times when students pick up on something faster or in a different way, and that’s the whole point. Embrace that.”
Using Robotics as a Community Builder
Robotics projects can serve as powerful community builders within the classroom. “Encourage collaborative activities and conversations about the exciting possibilities with robotics,” Audra suggests. These shared experiences create a sense of community and excitement among students, fostering technical skills and social bonds. “Students may start at different levels, but the shared excitement and collaboration help them learn together.”
As you prepare to welcome your students back, remember that introducing robotics can be a journey of discovery for you and your students. Embrace the process, utilize the available resources, and focus on building a supportive and collaborative classroom culture. With these strategies, you can create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that inspires innovation and curiosity in your students.
Audra Selkowitz is a Senior Education Developer for VEX Robotics, where she creates educational content across the VEX Continuum. You can hear her most recent interview with the EduTech Guys podcast at ISTE Live 24 on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
- Listen on Spotify here: https://buff.ly/3zpxLFu
- Listen on Apple Podcasts here: https://buff.ly/3znONUj
She can also be found teaching professional development on VEX PD+
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Spotted on Social Media: Summer Builds and Learning Robotics
This summer, we witnessed an incredible array of teams and classes turning up the heat with some fantastic robotics projects! Thank you all for your amazing contributions. Here are just a few highlights we wanted to share:
The kids from David Lawrence Jr. K – 8 Center spent part of their summer learning programming & coding at the Miami Dade STEAM Camp.
While summer heats up here in the Northern Hemisphere, our friends from Australia are cooling off for their winter. On June 27 the Thebarton Community Centre hosted students from across South Australia gathered for the SA Power Networks and VEX Robotics School Robotics Challenge. Among them, the ‘Banksia Bots’ from Banksia Park International High School showcased their innovative robot designed to tackle real-world power challenges.
Lastly, students from Grants, NM in the 8020EDU summer camp built a competitive robot in just 7 days and competed in their end-of-camp robotics competition for VEX IQ Rapid Relay!
Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work and continue showcasing your skills all year long.
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Reflecting on Our Summer Adventures: June and July Highlights
It’s been a busy summer at VEX Robotics! As we gear up for the fall, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some key events where our VEX Education Team made their mark.
June Highlights:
WeTeach_CS
In June, Dr. Jimmy Lin proudly presented the CS award at the WeTeach_CS Summit (WTCS) event, held from June 11 to June 12, 2024, in Ft. Worth, Texas. This remarkable program celebrates those who significantly impact computer science education within their classrooms, schools, and districts. Through our WTCS Change Makers Awards, we honored teachers, counselors, and administrators making a difference in Computer Science education, providing them with recognition and funding to expand their programs.
ISTELive 24: Denver
For those who attended ISTELive 24 in Denver from June 23 to June 26, we hope you had the chance to catch the VEX Education team in action. Here’s a quick look at the presenters and their engaging topics:
Lori Colangelo – Instructor / Curriculum Developer from Hopewell Area School District
Harmonizing Coders: Coordinating Students With Diverse Coding Experience Levels (WORKSHOP)
Using the Neir Model to Build an Equitable STEM Classroom (POSTER SESSION)
Switch Mode in the Classroom (DEMONSTRATION TABLE)
Dr. Jimmy Lin – Director of Computer Science Education at VEX Robotics
Higher Education Innovation Carnival! Connecting, Including, and Unleashing Learning
Audra Selkowitz – Senior Education Developer at VEX Robotics
RoboPlay: A Hands-On Exploration of STEM, Computer Science, and Robotics
July Highlights:
CSTA Annual Conference
In July, the team took to the road for the CSTA Annual Conference, held from July 16 to 19 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Here’s a glimpse at the presentations:
Tina Dietrich and Desiree White-Price, Woodland Hills School District
Bridging the CS Gap Between Schools and Communities (POSTER SESSION)
Jason McKenna, VP of Global Educational Strategy, VEX Robotics
Learning Computer Science with VEX Robots: Supporting K–8 Students across the Curriculum
Lori Colangelo – Instructor / Curriculum Developer from Hopewell Area School District, PA
Building Equitable Learning Environments (WORKSHOP)
We are incredibly proud of our team’s contributions and the valuable insights they shared at these events. As we look ahead to the fall, we remain committed to driving innovation and excellence in STEM and CS education. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from VEX Robotics!
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VEX Robotics Partners with SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre to Empower Southeast Asian Classrooms with Computational Thinking
In an exciting collaboration, VEX Robotics and the SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre are launching a professional development workshop series aimed at K-12 educators in Southeast Asia. This initiative, supported by the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), Thailand, focuses on integrating Computational Thinking (CT) into the classroom to foster essential 21st-century skills. This workshop series will run from August to December 2024.
What is Computational Thinking?
Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem-solving approach that breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills crucial for students’ success in the modern world.
Workshop Highlights:
Teachers will develop computational thinking lessons during a participatory design process — resulting in the creation of educational materials that are deeply aligned with the needs and contexts of all stakeholders. The workshop aims to enhance the engagement and effectiveness of teaching and student learning by ensuring that each are user-centered, relevant, and dynamically adapted to changing educational standards and student expectations.
These interactive and hands-on workshops are filled with activities and strategies to help educators integrate CT into their K-12 curriculum, regardless of subject area. By participating, educators will discover innovative ways to spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and empower students to become computational thinkers.
Aligning with Southeast Asian Education Goals
This workshop series will underscore the importance of CT education in supporting the development of critical skills outlined in the ASEAN Education Blueprint 2030. The partnership between VEX Robotics and SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre aims to elevate educational standards and prepare students in Southeast Asia for future challenges.
Meet the Experts
Participants will learn from renowned experts such as Jason McKenna, VP Global Educational Strategy at VEX Robotics, and Dr. Jimmy Lin, Director of Computer Science Education at VEX Robotics. Their insights and expertise will provide valuable guidance on integrating CT into educational practices.
Registration Update: Although registration is now closed, we will continue to update our readers as the workshops progress over the next few months. Stay tuned for more insights and developments from this exciting series!
For more information, contact Asst. Prof. Dr. Burin Asavapibhop at [email protected].
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Catch Jason McKenna at the University of the Philippines Diliman!
You can also catch Jason McKenna on August 17, 2024 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education (NISMED) for a one-day conference! Jason will be giving a keynote speech and leading two hands-on workshops:
- AI and Computational Thinking with VEX 123
- Creative STEM Learning with VEX GO
Join us for this one-day conference designed to bring together K-12 educators to connect, learn, and grow with their peers alongside world-renowned experts in STEM education. Enhance your teaching skills, learn tips to help inspire student creativity and critical thinking, and gain insights for building a strong foundation for future STEM leaders!
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Pool days will soon turn into school days. Make the most of the rest of your summer! We’ll be back at the end of August with more exciting updates from the VEX Robotics Team. Thanks for reading.
Here’s what we covered in the last edition of Drive Forward News:
How to approach summer builds with mechanical designer Bailey Kahl
We’re heading to Denver for ISTELive 24!
Discover VEX Robotics Camps: Igniting STEM Learning in Summer
July in Vegas for the CSTA 2024 Annual Conference? Yes, please!