How STEM Educators Can Prepare Students for Workforce Implementation of Robotics and AI

By Katie Brenneman

Saint Leo University- AI Lab implementation by RobotLAB 

Once upon a time, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) systems were largely the stuff of science fiction. If they appeared in “real life,” it was primarily in the most advanced, technology-driven enterprises, those to which most ordinary working people had little, if any, connection.

Today, however, the situation has dramatically changed. Robotics and AI are now infiltrating almost every aspect of daily life. They’re shaping how we communicate and learn. They’re transforming the practice of medicine. And they’re even informing how we accomplish the most mundane of daily tasks from banking to shopping to cleaning the house.

STEM Resources for Budding Engineers

By Katie Brenneman

There’s a dearth of good engineers out there. As technology evolves, so does its complexity. Just as important as maintaining the momentum of technological progress is equipping the next generation to pick up where the last one left off.

Part of our obligation today is creating and compiling keystone resources that will aid young engineers in their journey to achieve new breakthroughs. Herein lies the fundamental growth pillars of forward-thinking engineers in various verticals: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  Something we must contend with is building up young engineers to be both technically and professionally proficient. Let’s explore a few perspectives and resources that can serve to educate budding engineers and prepare them for the world of tomorrow.

Using Robotics to Support Sustainability

By Devin Partida

STEM educators have numerous tools at their disposal to keep students engaged with technology. It’s necessary in a tech-driven world, where students crave modern interactivity to maintain their attention and process concepts. Robotics is steadily becoming commonplace in classrooms as incorporation simplifies complex ideas and promotes sustainability to youth.

What can robotics offer STEM educators wanting to convey sustainable lessons to their students, and how can robots make a greener planet?

How Robots Can Be Used in Autism Therapy

By Shannon Flynn

People are increasingly interested in how robots can help humans. From manufacturing facilities and complicated surgical procedures to preventing loneliness among older people and other isolated individuals, the possibilities are endless. Another area of significant interest relates to how robots could supplement therapy for people with autism. This approach is a developing option, but it’s already proving its worth.

How to Secure Funding for STEM Extracurriculars

By Devin Partida

Maybe you have an amazing idea for a STEM extracurricular project, but you simply lack the budget needed to make it a reality. Here are the words you probably don’t want to hear: You have to write a grant proposal. Though it may seem daunting, as an educator, you already have the necessary skills to draft a compelling grant submission and secure the funds you need. Let’s get started.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Robotics

By Carol Grace 

Compared to other careers, underrepresentation is rampant in STEM-related roles. According to job statistics by Pew Research Center, Black and Hispanic workers remain underrepresented in various STEM occupations, only making up 8-9% of STEM jobs. This share is lower in specific job clusters, such as engineering and architecture, with only 5% of black workers making up the total workforce. While women comprise 50% of the STEM workforce, 74% are healthcare practitioners and technicians — making other fields vastly outnumbered by men. With robotics highly dependent on computers and engineering, it’s unsurprising that diversity in the industry is at an all-time low.

Using Robotics to Teach About Cybersecurity

By Devin PartidaPhoto by Dan Nelson on Unsplash

Curricula must shift for educators to create a well-informed next generation of cybersecurity analysts. Though robotics is an umbrella containing many branches, K-12 teachers can use robotics to teach cybersecurity more effectively than other subjects.

Integrating Robotics into Health Sciences Courses

By Dan Matthews 

Image Source: www.unsplash.com

The marriage between health science and technology has been a long and happy one. However, that union has perhaps never been more important than it is today. Now, more than ever, state-of-the-art technologies, from bioengineering to artificial intelligence (AI), are playing a leading role in optimizing patient care, supporting healthcare providers, and expanding the scope of medical knowledge.

Among the most significant and promising of these technologies in the domain of health, sciences are robotics.

These technologies are not only increasingly being used in clinics, hospitals, and operating rooms, but also in health sciences classrooms at every level, including primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. This article explores the reasons why you should begin integrating robotics into your health sciences courses and identifies key strategies for doing so.

Why Tech in Education Must Become More Accessible

By Dan Matthews 

All children deserve the right to be set up for success, and one of the ways children are prepared to do their best in school is based on their access to technology. Technology is a great equalizer for all children, and all children can become better learners through the use of technology — especially children with disabilities. Despite this benefit of technology in the classroom, however, not all technology is accessible to all children. How can parents and educators ensure all students, no matter their ability, receive the best education they can?

Fostering Healthy Coping Skills in STEM Education

By Dan Matthews 

Solid STEM education is perhaps one of the best gifts parents and teachers can give students, equipping them today with the tools they will need to fill some of the most lucrative and in-demand jobs of tomorrow. But although STEM learning has so much to offer, many children, teens, and college students often avoid science and technology curricula due to the inherent rigor of such programs.