I Can Also Make Robots! Inspiring Rural Indian Children to Learn Robotics

Abstract

In this world of rapidly evolving technology and technological artifacts, there is an urgent need to bridge the digital divide between those online and offline, especially in developing countries. In this paper, we propose a low-cost educational package for teaching robotics to secondary school students in rural India to motivate youth interest in learning STEAM subjects. As rural India lacks technologically trained teachers, the self paced learning approach and carefully designed program guides allow the teacher to be a facilitator even without prior technology experience. The children demonstrated enthusiasm and engagement in activities, successfully attaining the defined outcomes based upon the application of STEAM concepts. The workshop curriculum proved to be a valid approach to promote interest in STEAM subjects in rural schools of India.