How Salzburg’s pupils learn about robotics

20 primary and secondary schools in Salzburg will be equipped with 160 Robo Wunderkind robot construction kits this school year. Robo Wunderkind introduces children to programming in a playful and creative way.

You don’t know the colourful robot modules from Robo Wunderkind yet? Here we introduce you to the Austrian start-up!

40 teachers receive in-service training in programming

The teachers were trained in a workshop today and provided with teaching materials so that they can use them in class right away. Each of the participating schools will receive five construction kits consisting of colourful robot modules that can be individually assembled and brought to life with the help of an app. The schools also receive manuals that help with lesson planning and are based on school curricula. The robots can be used in many teaching situations and are an optimal addition to lessons.

Children become digital creators

The colourful modules invite children to try things out and strengthen their spirit of discovery. Early access to coding and robotics turns children into digital designers. They learn, for example, that a robot can only be controlled by human hands and thus gain their first experience with algorithms.

“For two years now, EdTech Austria has been advocating the sensible use of educational technologies in the classroom. This equipment campaign is a great benefit for the pupils of the country,” Julia Pichler, project manager of EdTech Austria, is pleased to say.

One robot module, numerous possible uses

“The robot kits can be used independently of the new compulsory subject “Digital Basic Education” and by teachers in almost all teaching situations,” emphasises Anton Lettner, Head of the Pedagogical Service of the Salzburg Education Directorate. Tinkerers will get their money’s worth here. For example, children can use the robots to build robot cars to learn traffic rules, but they can also be used as smart kitchen helpers in cooking lessons.

Public funding makes equipment possible

The equipment campaign is funded by the Austria Wirtschaftsservice and the IÖB Toolbox as well as the province of Salzburg. The implementation is in the hands of the initiative EdTech Austria in close cooperation with the Salzburg Department of Education.

“With this measure, Salzburg once again shows that we are pioneers in the use of digital technologies in schools,” says Daniela Gutschi, Provincial Councillor for Education.

Here are a few insights from the workshop:

photos: Innovation Salzburg/Benedikt Schemmer