Drive Forward News: 2024 Recap

Welcome to Drive Forward News from VEX Robotics. As this is our last edition of 2024, we’re doing things a little differently. Take a look back at 2024 with our VP of Global Educational Strategy, Jason McKenna. Then, check out a selection of noteworthy articles from throughout the year. Thanks for reading!

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Reflecting on 2024: The Art of Teaching and STEM Innovation

Embracing the Art of Teaching

The bell had barely stopped ringing when a group of students rushed into the Clairton Middle School classroom, their excitement almost palpable. “Look, it’s ready!” one shouted, pointing to the gray and blue robot they had built together. For Noah Rosario, a seventh grader, it was more than just a robot: “It’s a really good experience,” he said, “It’s nice to build with friends and make a few new friends along the way.” Through hands-on collaboration, these students found a way to form connections with one another and unearthed an interest in STEM subjects. For them, robotics was not just an after-school activity; it was an experience that ignited curiosity and fostered growth.

This spark of joy—this sense of excitement and exploration—is precisely what VEX Robotics aims to bring to every classroom. Our mission this year has been to ensure that all learners, regardless of background or circumstance, have the opportunity to experience this joy. Through initiatives like VEXcode Switch, our new VEX CTE offerings, and strong partnerships, we’ve worked to make STEM education accessible, engaging, and empowering for all.

Making STEM Accessible

I remember my early years in teaching and the challenge of navigating my first robotics lessons without many resources. Even today, I still meet teachers from around the world who feel that same nervousness as they begin their STEM journeys. That is why one of our proudest achievements in 2024 has been certifying over 20,000 teachers across 50 countries. It means empowering educators with the skills and confidence they need to bring these moments of exploration and joy into their classrooms.

One of the best parts of my role at VEX is witnessing firsthand how STEM education can transform the experiences of both students and teachers. I recall an August workshop in Manila, where a group of school leaders gathered for professional development. The group in the picture below had driven nine hours just to attend the session. Their enthusiasm as they built and coded their VEX GO robot was unforgettable. The teachers’ determination and passion reminded me of an important insight I gained from my co-authors, Andrew Bennet and Maya Israel, while working on our SIGCSE paper: learner variability is a strength, not a weakness.

Throughout that workshop, I saw teachers who wanted to collaborate and those who preferred to work alone; teachers who enjoyed tinkering with engineering, while others gravitated towards coding. Each participant approached the challenges in their own unique way, demonstrating that these differences are not a barrier—they are, in fact, the essence of innovation. Too often, differences in how students learn are seen as obstacles to overcome, but Andrew and Maya showed me that these differences are the very foundation on which creativity and discovery are built. Education is not about homogenizing students—it’s about celebrating and harnessing their diverse perspectives and skills.

Key Events and Milestones

This philosophy of learner variability being a strength underpins our broader mission. There is no one-size-fits-all solution because our kids are different, and our classrooms are different. The art of teaching, much like the streets of Paris I walked this year during the Educatech conference, is full of unexpected twists and turns. In Paris, you never quite know what awaits you around the next corner—a bustling market, a quiet café, or an artist creating something extraordinary on the sidewalk. Teaching is much the same: every classroom is its own unique landscape, each day presenting a new canvas.

The SIGCSE Accessibility Panel I attended this year reinforced these ideas even further. The discussions around strengths-based learning and accessibility in computer science education echoed VEX’s commitment to empower all learners, regardless of their background. It was inspiring to see the global community rally around the belief that every student deserves access to the best tools for learning.

A highlight of 2024—and, truly, a highlight of every year—is the VEX Robotics World Championships and the VEX Educators Conference. VEX Worlds 2024 was a testament to the transformative power of teamwork, showcasing the incredible potential unleashed through STEM education in VEX Robotics competitions. The energy and passion from students, coaches, and mentors was palpable, each team bringing unique stories of challenges overcome and lessons learned. Moreover, the VEX Educators Conference has continued to serve as an indispensable catalyst for personal and professional development. Watching educators exchange ideas, share insights, and inspire one another is a reminder of the vibrant community that drives innovation in classrooms around the world. The synergy between students competing at VEX Worlds and educators collaborating at the conference is what makes our mission at VEX so powerful—an ecosystem of lifelong learners, all pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in STEM.

The 2024 VEX Robotics Educators Conference
The 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship

At VEX, our work in 2024 has been about fostering adaptability and creativity—helping educators navigate these twists and turns with tools that support all learners. The goal isn’t to create a perfect, formulaic solution; instead, we strive for excellence. We want teachers and students to feel the freedom to explore, adapt, and create, driven by the joy of discovery. That’s why one of the major highlights this year was certifying educators globally—equipping teachers to embrace the unpredictability of the classroom and turn it into moments of magic for their students.

Looking Forward

As we look ahead to 2025, we carry forward the foundation built this year—the strides in accessibility, the emphasis on adaptability, and the joy of shared learning. We will continue to expand access to STEM education, empower educators, and inspire students, guided by the understanding that true learning happens in those unexpected, magical moments. By embracing both the art and the science of teaching, we can foster a love for learning that transcends barriers and inspires innovation.

A Call to Reflect and Act

This year has taught us that the beauty of education lies in its unpredictability and adaptability. The streets of Clairton, Manila, and Paris may be different, but the spirit of learning remains the same. As educators, let’s embrace the art of teaching and the innovations that drive STEM forward. Together, we can create a future where every student has the opportunity to explore, discover, and thrive—driven not by standardization, but by the joy of learning.

Acknowledgment:

Quotes and details about the Clairton Robotics Club are referenced from the article “Robotics Club Aims to Give Disadvantaged Students in Clairton New Experiences,” by Megan Tomasic, published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on November 30, 2024.

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We want to take a moment to thank you for being a part of the VEX Robotics community this year. Together, we’ve tackled new challenges and helped students build skills in STEM, Computer Science, and robotics that will stick with them for years to come. From all of us here at VEX Robotics, we hope your holiday season is filled with joy, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings. Happy New Year!

Here’s what we covered in the last edition of Drive Forward News:

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