Guided by standards-aligned computer science and coding curriculum, humanoid robot Jett is designed to empower African-American students to embrace STEM
DALLAS (Sept. 20, 2016) – While the nation casts attention on a projected STEM employment deficit, activists and education leaders are addressing the diversity gap in education programs as a contributing factor. RoboKind, the world leader in social robotics, debuts a humanoid robot designed to expand access and engagement for African-American students in K-12 STEM education. The robot, with African-American likeness, will deliver the Robots4STEM curriculum designed in partnership with Quadrant 4 System Corporation (QFOR).
Guided by the Robots4STEM curriculum, the robot Jett helps students in third grade and beyond gain foundational skills in coding and computer science. The program is designed to support educators with or without experience in computer science in implementing Robots4STEM, all while meeting math and science curriculum standards.
“Our mission is to enable students, no matter their age or background, to take full advantage of opportunities in STEM,” said Fred Margolin, CEO and founder of RoboKind.
The Robots4STEM curriculum builds a steady progression of skill mastery in computer science through a series of grade-appropriate coding languages, developed at the University of California, Berkeley. Students explore computer programming by coordinating movements and actions for the lively and approachable robot.
“This course can be critical for capturing the interest of African-American students in STEM, and ultimately preparing them for a new economy,” said Shekhar Lyer, president of the QFOR Education Division. “We’re proud to share RoboKind’s dedication to creating equal opportunity in education.”
Robots4STEM has indicated strong promise for boosting course enrollment, increasing engagement and creating enthusiasm for coding in a pilot school in Texas. The robot, available in Caucasian and African-American likeness, and the Robots4STEM curriculum are anticipated to be fully available during the 2017-18 school-purchasing season.
“It’s critical to reduce real and perceived barriers to STEM fields for students of color at an early age,” said Dr. Gregory A. Firn, senior vice president of strategic initiatives of RoboKind and a former superintendent. “Students learn by doing with the robot, which activates new ways to create, collaborate and solve problems.”
For more information or to request a demo of Robots4STEM, visit https://quadrant4edu.com/robots4stem.
About RoboKind
RoboKind, the world leader in social robotics, designs and builds a series of robots that enable people to engage with robots on a personal level. Through the Robots4Autism and Robots4STEM programs, RoboKind leverages these advanced social robots to supplement autism therapy, special education and STEM instruction. The programs use humanoid robots that feature life-like facial expressions, natural social interaction and comprehensive curriculum to assist educators and therapists in helping students learn and grow. For more information, visit www.robokindrobots.com.