On October 22nd, we organised our first NewTechKids workshop. The children, aged seven to nine, learned about the concepts of programming and automation. The kids explored how technological systems work in terms of input/output, controls, processes and programming. To bring the theme of systems thinking to life, we structured the class around a challenge: programming a robot to dispose of toxic waste before it leaked and turned everyone into zombies.
Each child designed simple code for a robot program using pen and paper which guided the robot through an obstacle course. The children tested and improved their code by asking each other to become their robots and follow the programming instructions. (Fortunately, there were no injuries although a few robots walked into walls or took wrong turns. It’s easy to get confused about left vs. right.)
Our observations: the class was quite challenging. The children were asked to understand abstract concepts (automation and programming) and then develop a tangible program, with minimal instruction from us. But every one of them managed to write a program.
The children seemed not have a lot of experience with working in pairs or teams. (Marja-Ilona has taught in the Finnish school system were teamwork is emphasized.) Many were more comfortable working individually. Because innovation and technology development mostly occurs in teams, we integrate teamwork, as well as individual work, in our classes.
Most children used visuals, rather than text, to develop their programs. Most importantly, we were thrilled to see that the boys and girls were equally engaged by the robot theme. We initially had some apprehension that the girls may find this theme too boyish but they embraced it liked champions.
Special shout out to the green slime we brought along. It was an instant hit and great incentive. The kids were able hold it once their program was completed. (So much for avoiding toxic waste.)