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Benefits of Joining Competitive Robotics Competitions

Robotics plays a pivotal role in today’s technological landscape, streamlining tasks and paving the way for innovative solutions. From household robots to robotic arms used in surgery, robotics is revolutionizing how we interact with the world. This blog outlines four main benefits that competitive robotics competitions offer to primary school children, emphasizing the essential skills they cultivate for their character development, technical skills, and also for future secondary school DSA applications.

1. Master Engineering and Programming Skills

Robotics is not just about building with LEGO; it combines engineering skills and coding skills to create a moving robot that you can control to perform certain tasks more efficiently. At Empire Code, we use LEGO SPIKE Essentials and LEGO SPIKE Prime in our robotics classes, where students learn about different types of sensors, motors, gyro movement, and coding specific to robotics. Once students learn the basic robotics and coding skills, they can apply what they have learned in competitive robotics competitions. These competitions offer hands-on experience with technology, fostering technical skills alongside creativity and critical thinking. Such competitions usually require students to build an autonomous robot that can solve as many missions in a playfield within a given time (usually 2-3 minutes). Hence, students need to strategize in building their base robots and attachments, coding it to move fast and efficiently, and strategizing their game plan so that it can solve a few missions within a few moves. Through such competitions, children grasp the intricacies of how things work, nurturing their technical skills especially in engineering and programming.

2. Enhancing Collaboration and Teamwork

In robotics competitions, students are usually grouped in teams of 2-5, fostering collaboration. Participants engage in team-based challenges, honing their abilities to lead, communicate, coordinate, and collaborate effectively. During these robotics competitions, each student also has specific parts to present and roles to play during the robot games. This collaborative environment allows students to learn vital life skills including time management, emotional regulation, and leadership. The journey through robotics competitions is one of mutual learning and respect, with each team member contributing to and benefiting from the collective effort.

3. Cultivating Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking

At the heart of robotics is the development of problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Students will inevitably face problems along the way, such as the robot not working as expected or the codes having errors. Hence, children will need to approach the problems methodically, breaking them down into manageable parts and applying logical reasoning to create effective solutions to solve problems. This discipline teaches them that there are numerous ways to solve a problem, promoting flexibility in thought and the courage to experiment. In robotics and programming, failure is not a setback but also a stepping stone to innovation, empowering students to be open to everyone’s ideas and embrace challenges together.

4. Increasing Chances of a Successful DSA Application

In an era where STEM education is increasingly recognized for its importance, early exposure to robotics provides children with a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If your child is interested in robotics and STEM, you can consider applying them to secondary schools under these specific DSA tracks. Joining robotics competitions will help your child (1) discover their passion for robotics and STEM and (2) increase their chances of a successful DSA application, as they can showcase their skills and dedication to these talent tracks to potential schools.

In conclusion, competitive robotics competitions offer many benefits, and children develop a myriad of skills that are crucial for future success, including technical skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Moreover, the experience gained from robotics competitions is invaluable for DSA applications, highlighting a child’s commitment to and proficiency in such disciplines. By encouraging participation in competitive robotics, we are not only fostering a generation of tech-savvy individuals but also paving the way for their bright futures.

The two main national robotics competitions that you can consider for your child are (1) FIRST LEGO League Explore and Challenge and (2) National Robotics Competition. Such competitions have both lower and upper primary age categories, so your child as young as 7 can get his/her first robotics competition experience through these competitions. To find out more details on how competitions increase their chances of getting in through DSA robotics/STEM/innovation, you can contact our friendly consultant for a DSA consultation and plan out your child’s learning journey together.

Click on other categories below to view previous articles that may be of interest:

Title: Integrating Coding and Robotics in Singapore’s Education System: A Comparative Study

Digital literacy is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. As technology and AI continue to shape our job landscapes, having a foundation in computational thinking becomes crucial for future employability. Due to the emergence of technology-related fields such as Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, the global interest in integrating computational thinking and programming into academia has surged in the past few years. This article explores Singapore’s approach to integrating coding and robotics across various educational levels, highlighting their strategies and initiatives.

Comparison with Other Countries

Countries such as England, Finland, Japan, and Korea have made computational thinking skills and programming compulsory in education. England, for example, is one of the first countries to integrate programming into its K-12 curriculum through programs that train students to create simple programs to achieve specific goals, for example. In contrast, Singapore strategically introduces CT skills at various stages, focusing on fostering interest rather than mandatory education.

Coding Education in Singapore

In response to Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, various programs have been implemented to integrate programming at different education levels. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) introduced the Playmaker initiative, engaging preschoolers in CT through electronic toys like Beebot, Circuit Stickers, and Kibo.

After-school enrichment programs in some preschools use hands-on activities with tools like ScratchJr, Kubo, and Cubetto. For primary schools, IMDA’s Code For Fun Enrichment program exposes students to visual programming tools and robotics in workshops like Scratch, Micro:bit, and Minecraft coding. Primary schools offer computing-related CCAs, such as robotics or infocomm clubs, which aim to foster students’ skills in these areas. They also provide opportunities for students to represent their schools in national coding and robotics competitions such as FIRST LEGO League (FLL) or Coding Olympics (organized by Science Centre). At the secondary school level, they offer computing-related CCAs, Applied Learning Programs (ALPs), and ‘O’ level computing, focusing on Python programming and computational thinking. Currently, 15% of secondary schools are offering computing as an ‘O’ level subject.

Singapore’s Approach in Computing

Unlike countries making coding education compulsory, Singapore adopts an opt-in model, allowing schools to decide on CT programs based on students’ needs. Teachers continuously undergo training to guide students in CT and programming. Primary and secondary students have Direct School Admission tracks in various computation related areas such as coding, robotics, STEM, innovation and infocomm, encouraging them to apply to top schools even before the PSLE, alleviating the stress of the PSLE exams. In Polytechnics, there is also the Early Admission Program (EAE) for polytechnics that allows secondary students to apply through their portfolios.

Benefits of Learning Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is widely applicable in math, science, and social science. According to a survey by IMDA, ‘O’ level computing students mentioned that they can apply problem-solving skills learned in computing to real-life situations, breaking down problems into manageable parts. Learning CT enhances creativity as students actively engage in designing and making projects, gaining confidence in problem-solving and creating based on their ideas.

Summary

In conclusion, Singapore uniquely integrates programming in school education, focusing on generating interest and providing diverse learning experiences from an early age. Parents can expose their kids to coding and robotics, potentially benefiting their education and future opportunities. By allowing schools to opt into CT programs and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Singapore aims to build a future-ready workforce with necessary digital literacy skills.

If you’re interested in trying out coding and robotics for your child, or want to find out more about our competitions and DSA program, contact our friendly consultants in Empire Code through WhatsApp. For MOE teachers seeking vendors for programming workshops or competition training for ALP/Code For Fun/ad-hoc school workshops, visit our MOE workshop page for a free consultation and view our track record.

Sources:
(1) https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-6528-7_19#:~:text=Unlike%20countries%20like%20Finland%2C%20England,ages%2C%20as%20shown%20in%20Fig.

(2) https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/blog/blog-articles/archived/2017/11/computational-thinking-for-every-student#:~:text=Distilled%20down%20to%20its%20most,or%20a%20human%20following%20instructions.

DSA for Your Preferred Secondary School – via Coding, Robotics and STEM

Does your child have a passion for coding, robotics and STEM? Imagine the incredible opportunity for your child to pursue his/her interests in these fields while gaining admission to top secondary schools in Singapore through the Direct School Admission (DSA) process. Top secondary schools in Singapore such as SJI, ACS, MGS, Hwa Chong and River Valley High are now accepting students via DSA under coding, robotics and STEM tracks. Furthermore, there are specialized schools like the School of Science and Technology (SST) that exclusively admits students under DSA. As the annual DSA cycle starts again, it’s the perfect time to explore your child’s talents and interests.

Apply to top secondary schools via a DSA portfolio with us!

Building a DSA portfolio with Empire Code offers the following advantages:

1. A Structured DSA Program:

Empire Code offers a comprehensive DSA program tailored to the specific requirements of the schools that you choose. Our program will cover all the necessary modules and competitions required. We understand the importance of competitions in building a strong portfolio, and our DSA students receive priority access to participate in both coding and robotics competitions. With dedicated trainers who possess years of competition experience, your child will receive specialized training to excel in these competitions.

2. Personalized Roadmaps:

At Empire Code, we have a team of DSA specialists who curate personalized roadmaps based on your child’s needs. Through our extensive database, we have gathered specific requirements from schools, including data from school open houses and previous experiences of our students. This allows us to design a roadmap that maximizes your child’s chances of success.

3. Project Write-Ups:

For students applying to SST and innovation tracks (such as SJI), we assist in training our students to create their own project write-ups. Our program trains students to research global issues, such as sustainability, and innovate projects to address these challenges. These project write-ups will then be put together to form a portfolio to be sent to the school of choice. This exercise nurtures critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills.

4. Flexible and Individualized Learning:

Empire Code offers flexi-hour weekly classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Our classes are designed for individualized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Each coding module follows a structured program with predefined projects and milestones. Our trainers are adept at managing different learning paces and provide personalized guidance to every student.

5. Accredited and Approved Trainers

Empire Code Education is an approved private school by the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE). Our teachers hold MOE approvals and Microsoft Minecraft Education certifications, enabling them to teach in local and private schools. We also have a team of software engineers that help to build our curriculum, ensuring that whatever your child learns will be relevant to the current industry.

6. Comprehensive Support:

Our package includes more than just coding and robotics training. We provide progress reports, testimonials, assessment preparation and interview training. We collaborate with ELITAN English for our interview training, a renowned public speaking center. With the guidance of Mr. Tan, a seasoned expert with years of experience training students from school levels to C-suite executives, your child will be well-prepared for interviews.

We are committed to helping your child gain entry to their dream school, whilst having fun in the learning journey as well. When you enroll in our DSA program, we will plan your child’s learning journey all the way until Primary 6 (year of DSA application). In addition to building a comprehensive portfolio, we also provide preparation for assessments and interviews. To learn more about our DSA program, receive a free consultation with our DSA specialist by filling up the form!

How to Introduce Coding and Robotics to Young Children: Tips for Educators

As our world becomes increasingly digital, teaching children about coding, robotics, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, has gained a strong foothold. These skills are not only essential for future job opportunities, but they also help children develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. As an educator, you can help your child develop these skills by introducing them to coding, robotics, and STEM from a young age. To help navigate this terrain, here are some tips to get started:

1. Using Games and Activities

One of the best ways to introduce coding and robotics to young children is through games and activities. There are many games and apps available that teach coding concepts in a fun and interactive way. For example, Tynker Junior offers a variety of games and activities that teach children basic coding concepts through block-based coding. Robotics kits such as LEGO WeDo/SPIKE Essentials can also help children develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills while having fun. Learning coding through games and activities will help to foster creativity and curiosity in this area, and give them the grit to overcome obstacles when faced with coding challenges.

2. Attend Workshops, Camps or Classes

There are many coding & robotics workshops/ camps available for children. These programs are designed to introduce children to coding & robotics in a fun and engaging way through games, animations and hands-on activities. Attending various workshops and camps can help children develop a deeper understanding of coding and robotics, while building friendships with other children who share their interests. It is important to expose students to different modules at a young age to see where their interest lies. Furthermore, coding schools will expose students to many opportunities such as national and international competitions where students can gain competition experience. Check out the programs that we offer and get started now!

3. Incorporate Coding into Everyday Activities

Coding doesn’t have to be limited to a computer screen. You can incorporate coding into everyday activities such as playing with toys or baking cookies. For example, you can ask your child to create a recipe for cookies using code. This can help children develop logical thinking skills while having fun.

4. Be Supportive

Finally, it’s important to be supportive of your child’s interests in coding, robotics, and STEM. Encourage them to explore and experiment with different coding and robotics programs. Praise them for their accomplishments and be patient when they make mistakes. De-emphasize grades and praise the process 🙂

In conclusion, introducing coding, robotics, and STEM to young children is a great way to help them develop problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. By starting early and using a variety of fun and engaging activities, you can help your child develop a love for STEM subjects that will benefit them for years to come. Want to know whether coding & robotics is for your child? Contact +65 8145 5004 to sign up now! If you are looking at DSA programs for coding, robotics and STEM for your child, sign up for a free DSA consultation now!

Coding, Robotics and STEM

In the last few years, the terms “Coding”, “Robotics” and “STEM” have become ubiquitous, and you’ve likely heard of it one way or another. With the rise of technology in the digital age, along with the plethora of coding and robotics enrichment programmes, the common question is “What’s the difference between these fields? Is it useful for my child’s educational journey?”. This post aims to share the key differences between coding, robotics and STEM, its crucial role in ensuring technical literacy, and how they can benefit your child’s education.

First off, what is Coding?

Coding is a language – we tell computers what to do using codes. You’ve probably heard of Python or Javascript, which are called syntax programming. In this current age, coding has been simplified, so that children as young as 4 can grasp the concepts with ease. Known as block-based programming, it aims to introduce computational thinking to very young learners, (thus building on their foundations), so that their progress to syntax programming at a later age (text-based languages), will be a more fluid process.

If you have heard of Scratch (the popular MIT software with the orange cat as its beloved mascot), it is a popular example of block-based programming. Children learn how to create their own animations and mini-games through dragging and dropping the code blocks. In addition to learning the various coding concepts, their brains are trained to think logically, computationally, and critically. We also teach students how to debug their codes independently; this stimulates the different areas of the brain, where they are trained to solve problems creatively, and view the obstacles through different lenses. For younger learners, progression from block-based programming such as Tynker and Scratch, is transitioned to game development modules such as Minecraft Education Edition, and Roblox Game Development; from here, students would then progress to more complex text-based programming languages like Python and C++. These languages open up a wide array of career opportunities – from web and app development to data science and machine learning.

Then, how about Robotics?

What comes to your mind when you first hear the term robotics? For most people, it is LEGO. However, robotics goes beyond just building a prototype. Robotics deal with designing and building robots, and utilisation of various sensors and motors, for optimal functioning. These sensors and motors are usually connected to a device, in which students learn programming to control the robots to create an action, so as to respond to a certain input. Hence, the line between coding and robotics is sometimes a bit gray. The main difference is that coding is mainly based on software, but robotics includes both software and hardware. However, both of these fields fall and interact under the STEM category.

What is STEM?

STEM (or STEAM) is an interdisciplinary teaching approach that unites the disciplines of science, technology, engineering (art,), and math into a single program. Although it emphasizes heavily on science and math, STEM is a very broad umbrella of different programs with the same goal – to provide students with engaging and hands-on methods of learning to develop science and math-based skills, so that they can gain 21st century skills such as communication, critical thinking, computational thinking, problem solving, and most importantly, contribute to a technologically-driven society.

Hence, coding and robotics also fall under this STEM category. Math and Science can be integrated into game development platforms as well as robotics. For example, you can learn chemistry concepts in Minecraft: Education Edition using their chemistry lab. Minecraft provides a variety of chemicals that work the same way as the real world, which allows for students to learn science concepts in a more fun and engaging way. In the same way, you can use LEGO SPIKE Prime (robotics) to create a robot that transfers energy from one place to another. Such projects also integrate engineering and science concepts, which are part of the school curriculum.

In other words, STEM education aims to go beyond the traditional academic approach and provides students the tools and opportunities to apply what they have learnt to solve real-world problems. For example, instead of learning the instructions for creating a robot, and the geography and physics of an earthquake, STEM education allows students to apply the knowledge to create an earthquake simulator using LEGO, for example, and tests how much force is required to make a LEGO brick house fall down. Projects like these allow students to use cross-disciplinary knowledge (from coding, to robotics and engineering) to solve problems creatively (for example, how can we make the foundation of the house stronger, so as to withstand the force of an earthquake).

Not sure where to start?

It depends on your child’s preference. Some students prefer robotics due to its hands-on learning nature, where they can see the physical result of their projects immediately. Coding, on the other hand, is intangible. However, you can create your own websites, analyze real-world data, and design your own mobile apps and games. Both of these disciplines still have the same goals in mind – to teach students the necessary 21st century skills and prepare them for the digitized future ahead of them.

In Empire Code, we offer modules across these different disciplines. You can let your child try out coding and robotics through our free trial classes. Contact us at +65 8154 5004 to find out more!

A Parent’s Guide to DSA – How to Prepare Your Kids Better for Secondary School Applications

Does your child have a talent or interest for sports, music, leadership or coding? The Direct School Admission Programme might be the key pathway to expand your child’s talent and get into specialized schools at the same time. It allows students to apply to secondary schools based on outstanding performance in both academic or non-academic talent areas (eg. sports, music, etc.). Schools that are under the DSA track offer special clubs to cater to the students’ talent areas and foster their growth. Whether it is through weekly training, or representing the school in competitions, the schools provide DSA students with various opportunities to grow and compete in both national and international competitions.

Furthermore, with the implementation of the new PSLE scoring system, the DSA route has proved to be a popular choice amongst parents. Due to the rising competition amongst PSLE students to secure a slot in their preferred secondary schools, parents are more likely to opt for the DSA scheme. Here are the 5 primary things you need to know about the DSA programme:

How do you prepare your kids better for DSA applications?

The best advice that we can give is to start planning early. If your child is considering applying to a secondary school via the DSA route, it is better to start planning and compiling his/her portfolio early. DSA is not just an accumulation of certificates and result slips, but it is a proper compilation of different school and non-school related achievements, competitions and projects. In 2022, out of 37,095 students sitting for PSLE, there were 31,800 DSA applications from 12,200 students, across talent areas with 3,900 successfully getting their secondary school slots. Hence, DSA applications should be carefully prepared in order to increase your child’s chances to go to his/her preferred secondary schools.

Through the Empire Code DSA program, we offer DSA preparation programme in areas such as coding, robotics, STEM, innovation and many more. Our programme consists of creating a customized roadmap for your child, 1 to 1 consultations, progress reports, portfolio compilation, student testimonies and so forth. The school’s program aims to ensure that students are well prepared before they apply for DSA in Primary 6. The DSA application journey is also designed to ensure that students enjoy and have fun learning through the process as well. If interested, contact us here to register for a free DSA consultation.

Coding Escape Room Reflections from Sherine

Hello! It’s me again, Sherine. Today, I’m here to share my reflections not as a marketer, or preschool teacher (see our previous blog), but as an Escape Room host.

Look at the happy faces of our students receiving their Halloween goodie bags and 3D printed pumpkins and ghosts!

This Halloween 2022, we had a blast with our students dressing up as various characters. Some students even deliberately attended lessons on a weekend, just so they could wear their costumes! In addition to this, our popular coding Escape Rooms have returned! Our last coding escape room took place just before COVID, so we are delighted to reinstate this after a 2-year hiatus.

This year’s theme was “Potter’s Escape”. The theme revolved around the story of Harry Potter, in which the students needed to solve a series of coding challenges to escape from the dungeons of ‘He-who-must-not-be-named’. This escape room included various tasks that required computational, innovative and critical thinking. We included challenges that were beyond what the students learnt in their usual lessons. For example, the first task was: “How to think like a computer”. We gave the students a series of 0’s and 1’s (a language the computer understands) and asked them to solve the code to unlock the next stage. Not only that, we also introduced them to Python Turtle as the last and hardest task. Since most of our students (ages 7 to 10) only have experience with block programming, this was their first exposure to syntax programming.

Despite the challenges, the students were very proactive and found many different creative ways to solve the task. They were able to apply what they had learnt in class to solve the challenges. Although we had only provided a brief explanation for the Python Turtle task, they were able to grasp the concepts quickly and solve the problems before time ran out. As computational thinking is classified as one of the most valuable 21st century skills, I was pleasantly surprised to see children of this generation developing these important skills from such a young age. They have developed a curious and innovative mindset – one that is intrigued by challenging tasks, as they come up with innovative ways to solve them. With more guidance and suitable challenges, they will be able to improve their coding and computational skills in no time!

Sherine’s ‘Cubetto’ Experience

When I recounted my first teaching experience at a Singapore preschool to Felicia, she laughed for a good 30 minutes straight.

Hello everybody! I am Sherine, Empire Code’s Sales and Marketing Executive. Aside from my marketing job, Felicia has graciously given me the opportunity to teach as well. My first teaching experience, however, was quite hilarious. I was trained to teach Cubetto for kids as young as 3. Cubetto teaches children programming using a cute little robot, with zero screen time. It is a play-based brain development programme that targets left and right brain training for early childhood.

Last month, a local preschool invited us to conduct a Cubetto workshop for a class of 9-10 kids ages 3 & 4. I was sent to teach as a main trainer, along with one of my colleagues. I was nervous, since it was the first time I was teaching a very big group of kids and was concerned about engaging such a large group. Hence, I did what I could do to prepare – I braided my hair into pigtails to manifest my inner child, prepared a skit, and made sure my voice was on bubbly mode. The first half of the session went wonderfully well – the kids were interested in their new robot friend, and everyone had fun learning to code the robot using the play-based blocks whilst solving the simple missions given to them.

However, it all went downhill just before the class ended. As they are still very young, their attention span was, of course, limited. That was when everything else became more fun and interesting in comparison to Cubetto… and that included me 🙂

They started to remove my pigtails (I spent 10 minutes braiding my hair), and claimed they would wash my hair using the teddy bear props used for Cubetto’s missions. This was followed by multiple attempts to tie my hair, soap my hair and a pretend hair spa experience, acted out collectively by a group of excited preschoolers, as they clung to my arms at various points.

I tried (very hard) to get them to focus and complete the rest of Cubetto’s missions, but it was in vain. I sent a “help me” look to my colleague, as well as the teachers in Eton House, but they found it so funny they just laughed along with the kids. At the end of the session, my hair was, well, all over the floor. Funnily enough, one of the kids had the audacity to ask me, “Teacher, why did you lose so much hair?”, while I looked on with disbelief.

As I reminisce about this incident, I cannot help but laugh. It was an interesting teaching experience at a preschool, coupled with some hair loss. I have gained a profound respect for early childhood educators. Whether it was Cubetto or the faux hair spa experience, the kids loved the trial lesson, and we were invited to return to conduct a full holiday camp for them.

My boss, Felicia, decided it was a good idea to send me there again to teach…..well I guess I shall wear a cap….

What is the Metaverse?

Ever wondered why Facebook suddenly changed its name to Meta? From the words of Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook has rebranded to align with the upcoming concept of “metaverse” – the future of the internet. He stated, “Meta is a way to bring the metaverse to life and help people connect, find communities and grow businesses”. In simpler words, the metaverse will herald a new era of online interaction.

What is the metaverse exactly? And why is it the buzz word today?

Our world is continuously evolving. Prior to the birth of the world wide web, there was no standard way to communicate between various computer networks. Therefore, the birth of the internet in the 1990s symbolized a breakthrough for mankind, as we had access to people on a global scale, and had freedom to initiate collaborative activities through a computer. The internet then continued to evolve, emerging new breakthroughs and trends. The metaverse could be the new paradigm where our physical and online lives unite. Today, we describe the metaverse as a combination of both virtual and augmented reality where we can immersively interact with all sorts of environments and avatars beyond our imagination, in the comforts of our homes.

The term “metaverse” isn’t actually as new as you thought. It was inspired by a dystopian sci-fi book written by Neal Stephenson back in the early 1990s titled “Snow Crash”. The book depicted a story of people exploring an immersive online, digital world through digital avatars of themselves. Using virtual reality technology, these avatars can attend concerts, buy bread from bakeries, visit amusement parks and walk down the streets in the virtual world. Furthermore, the avatars were the means of communication between the people in the real world.

One of the agents of the metaverse is Roblox – the online platform that allows digital creators to develop their own games and play games created by other users. The infrastructure of the virtual world created by Roblox closely mimics our physical lives. Hence, it quickly became one of the most significant sources of interaction and entertainment for young people. Through their own avatars, they can play games, attend concerts and travel to places with other people (avatars) in the comfort of their homes. During the pandemic, statistics showed that Roblox became the third highest grossing game of the year. Now, there are other big companies that also integrate the concept of metaverse, including Unity, Gacha games and Nvidia. Some companies are even incorporating NFTs or Bitcoin into their gaming platforms.

What is currently happening in the metaverse?

“For technophiles, the metaverse represents a nirvana: a place to immerse yourself in any digital world, and participate in any physical reality, at any time – and also to be able to see and feel anything, even if you are thousands of miles away from that real place.” – The Economic Times 2020

Well, since the metaverse allows us to do real-world activities in an immersive virtual environment, an individual can now create, buy and sell goods through the metaverse. In the physical world, you can buy clothes and wear them to a concert with your friends. The metaverse allows you to do the same – buying virtual clothes for your avatars and buying tickets to the concert, all within the digital space.

Currently, many established brands such as Adidas, Samsung and JP Morgan are buying virtual retail estate land in top virtual worlds such as Sandbox and Decentraland in the metaverse. In recent months, a piece of “land” was sold for $4.3 million and another piece of digital estate was sold for $2.4 million. Even more recently, a virtual Gucci bag was sold for USD $4115, even more than the real-life bag. Fascinating, isn’t it? Content creators can now construct their own virtual goods and virtual environments, monetizing their content through currencies such as NFTs.

In conclusion, the metaverse will impact us more than we think. It will affect how we travel, shop, communicate and most importantly, learn.

Is Roblox the future of education?

Like how this video uses Roblox to teach about the metaverse, students and teachers can also adopt Roblox as a platform to create and access educational content. Children can now study at their own pace, and even expand their horizons beyond the traditional curriculum. They can also create teaching content in the Roblox marketplace in return for cash. Moreover, the Roblox platform focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects instead of the generalized traditional curriculum. Therefore, students that study through Roblox can gain much more skills and attract more job opportunities in the market, especially in the STEM sector.

*See more: Digitalization: From Optional to Necessity article*

References:

A brief metaverse history: From where it started, to today. Parker Software. (2022, March 31). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.parkersoftware.com/blog/a-brief-metaverse-history-from-where-it-started-to-today/

Frank Palermo, V. (2022, March 19). What you need to know about the state of the metaverse Today. VentureBeat. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://venturebeat.com/2022/03/19/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-state-of-the-metaverse-today/#:~:text=The%20metaverse%20will%20be%20a,digital%20and%20online%20lives%20converge

Frey, T., & *, N. (2021, September 16). The history of the metaverse. Futurist Speaker. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://futuristspeaker.com/future-trends/the-history-of-the-metaverse/

How the metaverse future may look like in 2030. The Economic Times. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/how-the-metaverse-future-may-look-like-in-2030/articleshow/91175337.cms

Introduction to metaverse – the Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the metaverse, Web3 and NFT. Citi says the metaverse economy could be worth $13 trillion by 2030! (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.aventis.edu.sg/metaverse?gclid=CjwKCAjw14uVBhBEEiwAaufYx6FEJP2CXhrjTothLG_9k3_StoriFajKbwaUfEzw6t4UKAwwbxoiPxoCNDQQAvD_BwE

Ravenscraft, E. (2021, November 25). What is the metaverse, exactly? Wired. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-the-metaverse/

Schwab, K. (2021, March 29). ‘Roblox’ isn’t just a gaming company. it’s also the future of Education. Fast Company. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.fastcompany.com/90619108/roblox-future-of-education

Early Tech Education – Why do kids need to learn coding from a young age?

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the demand for software developers and technological experts are on the rise. Coding is now a key skill for future careers, and computational thinking is classified as one of the most valuable 21st century skills that children will need to be equipped with. Apart from the Tech industry, many professions ranging from accounting to medicine are already becoming more reliant on computer code.

Firstly, what exactly is coding?

Put simply, coding allows users to communicate with a computer. It is like learning another language, a language with a series of 0’s 1’s and different commands that the computer understands to perform specific functions. Coding enables people to do almost anything – it provides one with the freedom to create their own softwares, apps, websites and video games. It can also be used to automate processes, increasing the overall efficiency of businesses – and life in general. Hence, learning coding provides children with relevant and transferable skills, and trains them to develop a problem-solving mindset from an early age. Children who know how to code will also get a headstart with more employment opportunities set aside for them in the future. No matter the industry, companies look out for new hires with relevant computer science skills.

Introducing coding to kids whilst their brains are still developing allows them to develop a critical thinking and problem-solving mindset. Here are 3 main reasons why kids need to learn coding from a young age:

1. Coding trains communication and logical thinking

Coding teaches children another language. Language allows children to communicate properly and trains verbal and written skills. Like English or Chinese, coding is actually a language on its own. When children learn how to communicate with computers, they understand better why and how the gadgets and technology operate around them. They will get exposure to understanding the logical thinking behind the technology that they are using.

2. Children become efficient problem solvers

Understanding the basics of computer science allows children to appreciate how technology works around them. It fosters their creativity, logical and critical thinking. Learning to code teaches children how to think, not to just type lines of codes. In order to create an effective program, a programmer needs to think logically. They have to be able to break a large problem into smaller pieces and solve it in the most effective way possible. Hence, this allows children to be creative in exploring different options to solve problems as well. Creating a program or a game from scratch allows children the freedom to use their imagination, both to create the program and solve any bugs that come along the way. These skills not only lay the foundation for innovation, design thinking and leadership, but they also train kids to have a questioning mindset – one that encourages experimentation, a curiosity of how things work, and gives them the grit to explore challenging ideas. This allows kids to be creative innovators of the next generation.

3. Coding challenges children and helps them develop resilience

“ A computer is a bicycle for your mind” – Steve Jobs

In computer science, constantly failing with your code is entirely acceptable. There will always be bugs and mishaps that come along with your code. However, kids who learn coding from a young age develop a resilient mindset, and hence, are trained to view failures as opportunities for growth. As such, they develop greater ‘bounce’, are not afraid of challenges, and are far better at finding good solutions.

So, when is the right time to teach kids coding?

Being heavy consumers of technology, whether it’s watching Youtube or playing video games, children are already exposed to technology from a young age. Schools are also integrating coding and digital literacy as part of their curriculums. While such an early exposure might seem odd, Stack Overflow 2020 Developer’s survey results show that many kids start learning coding from as young as 3. In the future, coding is increasingly becoming a critical tenent of modern education.

Furthermore, coding teaches kids computational thinking. To put it simply, kids learn how to think efficiently like a computer. Hence, children gain a better understanding of algorithmic thinking patterns and logical thinking, which translate to a positive impact in their performance in both mathematics and science. With coding, kids can also learn to solve complex math and science problems in a more fun and engaging way. They can apply computer science principles and develop strong STEM skills to make them more future-ready.

I want my kids to be exposed to coding, but where do I start?

Sign up for FREE trials during our TechKids Open Day on 10 September 2022 and turn your children from passive technology consumers into innovative creators!

References:

https://www.learningresources.com/blog/5reasonskidscoding#:~:text=Coding%20is%20a%20basic%20literacy,math%2C%20writing%2C%20and%20confidence.

https://teachyourkidscode.com/why-coding-is-important-to-learn/

https://techbootcamps.utexas.edu/blog/why-kids-should-learn-to-code/

https://funtech.co.uk/latest/why-coding-is-important-for-kids-7-reasons-all-parents-should-know

https://elearningindustry.com/k12-computer-science-coding-imagination

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