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Robotics and coding in Finland

History of robotics in Finnish schools

Robotics and coding are not new in Finnish schools. In the 1990’s robotics (e.g. graphical programming with LEGO LOGO) was a part of the technology education provided by some of the K12-schools in Finland. The organizing principle during this time was revolved around projects where universities, schools and sometimes also industry collaborated like for example the HAITEK-project, which highlighted problem based learning (PBL), constructivism and student orientated technology education. HAITEK-project was designed to introduce both local industry and coding/robotics to students with visits to factories followed with modeling production lines with LEGO LOGO. Despite the efforts in these projects, robotics/coding never experienced a more nationwide uptake, neither in practice nor in policy. As a matter of fact, coding/robotics are not part of the current national curriculum (implemented in 2004) and it does not include references to or from these projects. In the absence of reference in the formal curriculum, the current general situation has been that robotics and coding have been taught by active teachers who are interested in robotics mostly in after school activities, resulting in a situation that currently there are great differences between schools and districts when it comes to teaching coding and robotics.

Resources for teachers and pupils coming soon

  

The aim of the Robotics for Schools project is to help bridge the gap between learners, teachers and curriculum planners in Robotics education.

We are producing a series of resources, which will be available to all schools, teachers and pupils soon.  They include publications on how to implement robotics education in schools, descriptions of tools and equipment available, and good practice examples from around Europe.  We are also producing a series of ‘RoboQuests’ and supporting material.  These are problem-based challenges for teachers to use directly with pupils and are offered at different skill and experience levels.  Each RoboQuest will provide a task, the process to go through to achieve the task and a variety of web-based supporting material to help complete the RoboQuest.  Teachers will be able to login to get further information on the different robotics platforms or other equipment could be used by the pupils. 

Each RoboQuest has a series of learning outcomes and are linked to 5 themes – At Home, At Leisure At Work, Helping People, and The Environment. 

Use the Contact page to send us your details so we can update you when they are available.