ROBOTICS AS A TOOL TO STEM LEARNING

Abstract

Much has been written on the shortfalls in fully realizing the benefits of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. STEM is important, because it pervades every aspect of our lives. Nevertheless, STEM education is considered as hard, dull, and without emotional meaning. This article examines how the use of robotics in education benefits STEM learning and how teachers can get started with a robotics program in schools. In this study, students develop their building and programming skills teamwork, and presentation skills, as well as touch on STEM subjects school students using the LEGO NXT Mindstorm programmable reconfigurable robot, to observe and learn abstract physics concepts and to perform different designed activities. Students work in teams toward the common goal of developing logical and creative solutions to problems. The results of the study indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in overall perceptions of assessments in STEM Semantics Perception Data, STEM Career Interest Scales and in the interview sessions. It is hoped that this program may set the stage for the transformation of the Malaysian education system which aspires to ensure that every student in every school in every state achieves their full potential, as stated in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.