Learn Robotics Brings Creativity, Innovation, and Fun to NAF Classrooms

Learn Robotics is an education technology company, made up of robotics engineers, industry professionals, and educators, designed to help individuals structure, innovate, and advance their robotics education journey. Their unique program makes learning fun, with an on-demand robotics curriculum, lab-based activities, hardware projects, and a suite of tools that make it possible to teach and learn robotics anywhere!

Founder, Liz Miller, started programming her first robot over a decade ago and recalls how taking her first robotics course completely changed the trajectory of her life and how she solves problems as an engineer and entrepreneur. As a young engineering professional, she started teaching robotics classes on the weekend and loved working with students and seeing those “lightbulb” moments.

NAF teachers from New Britain High School in CT and Edgewater High School in Orange County, FL participated in a pilot program with Learn Robotics during Winter 2020-21. Take a look below for a recap of their feedback, lessons learned, and how they envision using Learn Robotics in their classrooms:

Colm Duffin, New Britain High School (CT)

“My interest in the pilot was based on the fact that I teach AP Computer Science at my high school and wanted to bring in other material for students and be able to integrate what I’ve learned into an AP Computer Science course – especially thinking about the coding aspect.”

“The curriculum was easy to follow, and I liked how the videos matched up. Learn Robotics helps to create something tangible for students, as programming can be abstract.”

“I would tell someone who is considering trying out Learn Robotics that ‘You need to do it’ – it was a good experience, and I found the time I invested was useful and valuable. Just give it a shot – it is time well spent.”

Eric Nelson, New Britain High School (CT)

“I was interested to learn the why behind the coding through the Learn Robotics pilot. It will be helpful for our academy in any path students choose – related to computer science or engineering.”

“My experience with robotics was moderate before the pilot – in terms of true robotics. I had worked on some DIY coding, but that was such a surface knowledge — this pilot went more in depth.”

“The videos were very helpful, as well as the visual templates. Students will be able to gain a solid foundational base through Learn Robotics and it’s also fun!”

“I liked the remote setting because it helped me to go at my own pace. Liz’s videos, the picture diagrams, and written assignments helped me to follow along.”

Adrian Thomas and Denise Hinds-Cruz, Edgewater High School, Orange County Public Schools (FL)

Denise: “I was interested in participating in the Learn Robotics pilot because I’m always looking for new ventures for my classroom that can benefit my students in an up-and-coming way.”

Adrian: “Like Denise, I’m always looking for innovative content for my students. I’ve already thought of ideas for using Learn Robotics in a cross-curricular way and connecting what I’ve learned to my modeling and simulation classes.”

Denise: “I also want my students to look at the research and think about all that goes into an event or project. It’s important for our young people to see the role they play and how they work together as a team.”

Adrian: “A picture is worth a thousand words, and I would show others what I was able to do through the course of the Learn Robotics pilot. Every week, I was able to be creative and apply my knowledge to a new project and think the best way to advocate for this program is to show others the products.”

To learn more about Learn Robotics, visit: https://www.learnrobotics.org/

For more information, please contact: Dr. Keisha Taylor, Senior Director, Alumni & Postsecondary Engagement – ktaylor@naf.org