Over 300 Teachers Trained in Coding and Robotics, Ministry Fosters Innovation in Barbados Education

Just over 300 teachers have been trained in coding and robotics so far.

This disclosure came from Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw during the launch of the Barbados Light and Power Battle of the Bots Primary School Coding and Robotics Competition on Thursday.

She told those gathered in the Christi Conference Room, Bay Street that given the rapid rate at which technological developments are reported around the world, the ministry feels that providing young people with the essential capabilities to capitalise on such innovation is critical to the nation’s future growth.

“We cannot deny that the ability to code and build robots presents endless possibilities for invention and discovery. It is through events like the ministry-led Barbados Light and Power Battle of the Bots Primary School Coding and Robotics Competition that we harness the collective ingenuity of our students to push the boundaries of possibilities,” she said.

“The ministry has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation by providing the resources that you see here before you in the form of robotics kits for all nursery, primary, and secondary school-aged students. Additionally, to date, the ministry has orchestrated the online training of over 300 teachers to deliver coding and robotics instruction using the VEX Robotics kits; the training of multiple teacher cohorts in scratch code through Erdiston Teachers Training College, and the development of coding and robotics syllabuses for the nursery, primary and secondary school students.”

The education chief noted that such exposure at a young age will help grow interest among students in a number of rapidly developing subject areas.

“Exposure to coding and robotics at the primary level creates a pipeline to several subject areas at the secondary level. For example, mechanical engineering, design and technology, physics, the arts, animation and gaming, digital media, coding using Autocad, and computer numerical control. These are all new and exciting areas that our students can pursue at secondary school, having acquired the basic knowledge and skills at the primary level,” she said.

“By providing avenues such as this for both students and teachers, we are also providing tools for educational success.”

Educational Officer Troy Belgrave said the coding and robotics competition will help spur interest in more innovative projects.

“The impact of this inaugural coding and robotics will extend far beyond its confines; it will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the classroom, drive instructional practices, and build the capacity and knowledge base in our teachers,” he said. “So as we embark on the journey from the collective spark to the planning, and then the actual completion on July 1st, 2024 at the Wildey Gymnasium, we will have the opportunity at the competition to celebrate the incredible achievements of our nation’s children.” (SB)