Enrolling 200 teachers from all levels of the education system,the project sought to train non-robotics educators to include technology education in all schools in the province.
Last December 7, the closing day of the “My Frist Robot” program was held in Rawson, an initiative that marked a before and after in the technological training of teachers in the province of Chubut. With the participation of 200 educators from various parts of the provincial territory, the project sought to democratize access to robotics and programming in the educational field.
This annual project was aimed at teachers of the three levels of education throughout the province who had no previous training in the subject. Through synchronous meetings combined with virtual practices and exercises, participants had the chance to gain applied knowlege to integrate robotics into classrooms.
The proposal, led by the Undersecretary of Educational Planning and Policy, chaired by Undersecretary Marcelo Álvarez, offered practical tools and advanced concepts in areas such as computational thinking, electronics, programming, 3D design and artificial intelligence. Trainers Rocío Del Pino and Matías Sosa guided the teachers, allowing them to explore and design robot prototypes with accessible and low-cost materials. Moreover,the project fostered a valuable exchange not only between teachers and trainers,but also between peers themselves,strengthening collaborative learning and teamwork.
The prototypes presented
During the closing day,which took place at the rawson Provincial Cultural Center,six exceptional prototypes were presented of the 30 total that are planned to be created. They were developed by teachers from Comodoro Rivadavia, Esquel, Río Mayo and Gaiman, demonstrating the scope of the project and the creative potential of the participants in front of an auditorium where the Undersecretary of Educational Planning and Policies, Marcelo Álvarez, was present. , the director of Educational Technologies, Ricardo Pavez, and the Director of professional Training, Luis Pensado, the teachers presented reports on their respective works, focusing on the educational aspects of the path, the challenges encountered and the obstacles overcome. They proudly showed off the robots they built and their capabilities.
The “My first robot” program not only trained teachers to integrate robotics into classrooms, but also reaffirmed Chubut ProvinceS commitment to inclusive technology education, paving a path to the future for thousands of students.
“Robotics is changing the world and we teachers must be part of it to train our students for a digital future,” underlined Miriam Ibáñez, director of School No. 148 in Río Mayo and participant in the training course during the closing event.
This educational policy reflects Minister José Luis Punta’s managerial commitment to the modernization of education in the province, highlighting the impact that initiatives such as these have on teacher training, preparing them to face the challenges of increasingly digital education.
How can educators overcome challenges when implementing technology-focused projects in their schools?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Robotics Education Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome too Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maria Gomez, an expert in educational technology and a key figure in the “My First Robot” initiative. Dr. Gomez,thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria Gomez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in! We saw that the “My First robot” project recently trained 200 teachers across various educational levels in yoru province. Can you tell us more about the goal of this initiative?
Dr. Gomez: Absolutely! The primary goal of “My First Robot” was to empower teachers who may not have a background in robotics or technology to confidently integrate these subjects into their classrooms. We believe that technology education should be accessible to all students, and that starts with equipping our educators with the necessary skills.
Editor: It sounds like a transformative approach. What kind of training did the teachers receive to prepare them for this integration?
Dr. gomez: The training was complete. We focused on hands-on workshops were teachers learned about robotics kits, programming basics, and how to create lesson plans that incorporate technology.We also emphasized problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential in the digital age.
Editor: That’s impressive! What challenges did you face while implementing this project?
Dr. Gomez: One of the meaningful challenges was addressing the varying levels of comfort with technology among the teachers. Some were excited but inexperienced, while others were more tech-savvy. Our team worked hard to create a supportive environment where everyone could learn at their own pace.
Editor: It must have been rewarding to see them overcome these hurdles. What kind of feedback have you received from the teachers after completing the training?
Dr. Gomez: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Many teachers expressed excitement about being able to introduce robotics into their classrooms. They’ve reported increased engagement from their students and are already brainstorming innovative projects to implement. it’s wonderful to see their creativity blossoming.
Editor: That’s fantastic news! As we look ahead, what do you envision for the future of technology education in your province?
Dr. Gomez: I envision a curriculum where technology and robotics are integral parts of every classroom, not just in specialized programs. Ideally, every student would graduate with a foundational understanding of these concepts, preparing them for the future job market. We’re also exploring further training opportunities to keep up with rapid advancements in technology.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a luminous future ahead! for our readers who may be interested in similar initiatives elsewhere, what advice would you give to educators looking to implement technology-focused projects in their own schools?
Dr. Gomez: My advice would be to start small. Focus on building a community of educators who are willing to share resources and support each other. Seek partnerships with local organizations or universities, as they can provide valuable expertise and materials. Lastly, keep the students’ interests at the forefront—technology is most effective when it aligns with their passions.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Gomez, for sharing your insights with us today! It’s exciting to see how initiatives like “My First Robot” can reshape education and empower both teachers and students.
Dr. Gomez: Thank you! I’m excited about the future of education and the role technology will play in it.
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on education technology and innovative projects like “My First Robot”! Thank you for joining us.