Required Resources and Logistical Considerations
The following resourcing and logistical considerations must be met in order for a successful Robotics Social Club to be established:
- Six LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Robotics Core Sets.
- NOTE: it still possible to use this resource to inform a Robotics Social Club program using a different robotics platform (e.g. previous generations of LEGO® robotics; NAO robot from Alderbaran Robotics). The robotics challenges and content will need to be adapted by teachers, but the principles and resources used to teach the Personal and Social Capabilities can remain the same.
- Ready access to six computers (e.g. desktops; student laptops or iPads) with Internet access and LEGO MINDSTORMS® EV3 software installed and updated. The details on how to download the software from LEGO® are included with the core set.
- Including one computer/teacher laptop with connection to projector.
- If computers are not readily available, iPads or Android Tablets can be used, with the LEGO MINDSTORMS® EV3 Programmer App for Tablet installed.
- Professional Learning/Teacher Release time for facilitating teachers, ideally:
- Access to external professional learning opportunities relating to robotics (see Teacher Professional Learning for up-to-date information on available courses).
- Equivalent of one full day allocated to planning/preparation before starting the Robotics Social Club.
- Blocks of approximately two hours of reflection and planning time every four weeks throughout the Robotics Social Club.
- An appropriate day and time for the Robotics Social Club to be held, ideally:
- 1.25 to 1.5 hours per session;
- As an after-school Club, but not after a long, content-heavy day for students;
- Alternatively, during Sport & Recreation time, or during lunchtimes. However, allow two lunchtimes per session described in this program, to ensure sufficient time. To foster student engagement, aim for two consecutive lunchtimes, or at least two lunchtimes within the same week, to cover each session.
- An appropriate space to hold the Club that will be consistently available. For example, a computer lab with desktop computers; open-plan classroom with both desk and floor working spaces.
Identifying Facilitating Teachers
At least two teachers will need to be identified who will be able to facilitate Club sessions consistently, with one teacher taking the role of lead Robotics teacher. The Robotics Social Club is most effective with at least two supporting teachers/adults in the room.
Facilitating teachers will ideally:
- Have an interest in both supporting students with ASD, and technology/robotics.
- Be motivated to engage in a process of informal professional learning, be able to make an extended time commitment, and be ready for a challenge.
- Ideally, teach at least some of the participating students in the classroom, in order to support the transfer of skills back to the classroom environment, and strengthen teacher-student relationships.
- Teachers in Departments of Science, Maths, Information Technology, Engineering, or Design and Technology may be well-placed to fulfil the role, given their background knowledge of technology content and understanding of the links to the Digital Technologies curriculum. However, this is not necessary for the Club to be successful.
Identifying Participating Students
This program has been developed to specifically target students in Year 7 and 8, given the importance of fostering relationships with peers and teachers at the start of secondary school. However, you may choose to widen the scope to younger or older students depending on your school’s needs. Care has been taken to pitch the program at students (and teachers) with no prior experience with LEGO® robotics. When identifying students who may benefit from participation:
- Aim for a total of 15 students (or 3 students per robotics kit).
- Have a mix of students with and without ASD. Both these groups can benefit from the opportunity to socialise with each other. Students without ASD who are considered at risk of disengagement from school, may also benefit the most from participating.
- Ideally, students should have an interest in learning about robotics.
You may like to invite particular students to participate, who have been identified as having the most to benefit from the program. After this round of invitational offers, expressions of interest may be opened and accepted from the wider student population. This Parent Information Sheet Template (Word, 18KB) can be adapted and sent home to families of interested students. Please note, this process for identifying participating students is a suggestion only. It may be tailored to best meet your school’s and students’ needs.