Robotics, coding for new curriculum
THE Government is set to introduce Robotics and Coding as key subjects in the country’s schools as part of interventions to equip learners with the best skills amid fast-changing technological advancements.
Technologies like drones, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are increasingly being mainstreamed into everyday life globally, with experts stressing the urgent need to create authentic technology-focused education opportunities for young learners to engage, learn, and lead in these spaces.
A Bulawayo school, Charleston Trust Primary situated in Nkulumane suburb, has set the pace by introducing coding as a learning area from Grade 1 classes beginning this term.
Through teaching coding, which is one of the best-paying jobs and on-demand globally as coders can create several applications to solve societal challenges, the school authorities say they are determined to create future entrepreneurs who can create solid technological products for Zimbabwe and the world while making money from it.
This news crew recently visited the school and observed a Grade 1 class being taken through the coding lessons. The school’s ICT laboratory is already equipped with desktops, laptops and tablets, which the learners use for their practical lessons.
Executive director, Mr Apros Tendaupenyu, said the world is now ICTdriven hence it was important to skill their pupils for the opportunities that they can derive through coding.
“Coding, which is computer programming, is a key concept in ICT. We thought of introducing it from Grade 1 as a way of catching them young,” he told our Bulawayo Bureau.
“This is to ensure that they have a thorough background of the subject so that by the time they reach Grade 7, they will be able to write computer programmes, they will be able to write computer applications, which they can sell to the outside world,” said Mr Tendaupenyu.
“It’s critical for us to introduce it now. ICT is now an integral component of our day-to-day lives.
“There is nothing that we do now that does not involve the use of ICT and computers. They will be able to incorporate it in their daily lives.”
With the Government already supporting the development of similar Robotics and Coding projects at secondary schools through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), more schools are expected to come on board. One of the beneficiaries of the Potraz support is Tynwald High School in Harare, which has been able to participate in the First Global Robotics Competition, an event that brings technology-focused youths from all over the world.
The school has displayed excellence in Robotics competitions regionally and worldwide for over seven years. In 2022 it (with other schools) scooped a gold medal First Global Robotics Competition in Geneva and is the team is expected to travel to Milan in March this year for yet another competition.
On Monday, senior Government officials from the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education visited the school to assess its robotics facility.
During the tour, Tynwald High School’s Robotics team had a chance to showcase their projects and proved what defines them as world champions. From articulation to display and confidence, they gave a detailed narrative of their pieces.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, said she has engaged her Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education counterpart, Cde Torerai Moyo, to ensure the introduction of Robotics and Coding as a subject.