Tech Revolution

Tech Revolution 

How robotics & STEM education is revolutionising the future

Experts agree: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is the key to every country’s economic future. It helps students discover themselves, develop confidence and play an active role in the development of their country’s economy years down the road.

“There is no question about it – educators can inspire and coach students to engage in global business and guide them to be innovate and creative,” emphasises Rami Karmi, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer at F03 Venture Partners and mentor at 500 Startups.

In an interview with Family Flavours at the sidelines of a meeting dubbed “Leading Reform in Education-Positive Leadership, Robotics & STEM… A New Perspective,” the investor stresses the role of women in technology. Karmi, who has met with thousands of startup businesses in Jordan and the world, is a staunch supporter of female-led businesses. At the meeting, he chaired a session about the impact of robotics and STEM on education and the economy.

Held under the patronage of Princess Noor ‘Assem, an entrepreneur and leadership consultant, and organised by the International Robotics Academy (IRA), some 100 key decision makers and stakeholders in education were brought together to discuss the impact of bringing technology into the classroom. Outside the meeting hall, IRA students proudly exhibited their robotic inventions.

“Using technology, our kids are breaking through barriers and learning new skills, not just in terms of mathematics, science and technology but also in terms of teamwork, time management and the power of perseverance,” says IRA Chairperson Lama Sha’Sha’a.

This type of education eventually leads to a better economy, points out Lama Salhab, American Programme Principal at the Islamic Educational College (IEC).

Panellists at this event addressed the impact of robotics and STEM on education. “Our college adopted and integrated robotics and STEM in the class curriculum a few years ago, starting with grade four,“ she says. Already, the programme has had an impact on students. “They are more confident and analytical in their problem solving skills.”

IRA has been operating since 2014 and is the exclusive partner in Jordan for Domabotics, an Australian innovation that is helping educators all over the world integrate information and communication technologies into their classrooms.

Dr Damien Kee, the director of Domabotics Australia and a technology education expert, participated in the one day-meeting. He specialises in designing training programmes in robotics for educators globally. Kee predominantly works on educating teachers on the benefits and relative ease with which technology can be integrated into school curricula. “The students I meet each year here in Jordan impress me more and more,” he says, even after 15 years of doing this.

Robotics and STEM are reforming educational systems around the world. “Our mission should be to unleash our children’s power by providing them with the skills and mindset to succeed,” states Kee. It is only by understanding their strengths and embracing their weaknesses that students can prosper.

He notes that he has seen students learn to be team players who are compassionate and team-oriented, encouraging each other to try harder. Kee states that robotics boosts the focus of girls and boys whilst learning through fun. “We should shift the perspectives of students to self-improvement and drive,” he concludes.