The teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and robotics is constantly evolving with new technologies and methods that motivate students to explore, experiment, and create. Innovative tools and interactive approaches help educators build skills like problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration in learners
ENGINO-NET LIMITED and the University of Cyprus have completed the project Innovate/0719/0098 after 30 months of research and development, co-funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation.
The project focuses on designing a robot called Ginobot to support teaching algorithmic thinking and STEM, helping primary, middle, and high school students gain programming knowledge.
Ginobot is conceived as a scalable platform that can be used for different activities depending on a student’s age and ability. It includes multiple sensors and motors in a stand-alone vehicle, so it can be used immediately without time spent building it.
Unlike many “plug-and-play” robots, Ginobot’s design allows ENGINO geometries to be added on top, enabling learners to build more complex models with motors, sensors, and other parts.
It can be expanded electronically with open-type boards like Micro:bit, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino, giving access to many additional tools and resources. Software-wise, Ginobot can be programmed not only with ow own developed software (KEIRO) but also with MakeCode, Python, and C/C++.
Part of the project involved developing accompanying educational material and testing it with students. A notable innovation was creating the first Global Online Learning Platform that allows students to build portfolios with code files and 3D models and collaborate as teams.
At the associated conference, project results were presented and hands-on workshops for teachers were conducted. As part of ENGINO’s social contribution, the University of Cyprus will make 20 Ginobots available for teachers to borrow at no cost for classroom use.
Marcelo Milrad is a Professor of Media Technology at Linnaeus University (LNU) in Sweden. His current research includes areas such as Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), advanced human-computer interaction, and new applications of Artificial Intelligence and mobile technologies in the fields of Education and Healthcare. Since March 2020, he has served as the university’s Principal Investigator in the area of Digital Transformations. Dr. Milrad is also actively involved in an initiative at LNU, together with colleagues from the School of Arts and Humanities, called Digital Humanities. Professor Milrad conducts his research in very close collaboration with industry partners (Intel, Lego, Pasco, National Geographic, Engino, etc.) and the public sector.
Summary of the talk: “Computational Thinking, Programming, and Robotics and their Application in Education.”
21st-century skills-like problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity-are essential in today’s technology-rich society. In addition to these meta-skills, digital competences and information management are crucial. Computational thinking (CT) is both a process and a set of skills for tackling and solving problems, and it’s equally important as other key skills. In the talk, he explains the importance of CT in education and presents examples of work with students and teachers in Sweden, showing ways to systematically integrate computational thinking, programming, and robotics into school activities. The talk concludes with initial findings, challenges, and future research directions, including the idea that computational thinking is essential for beginning to explore AI in educational settings.
Department of Education Sciences,
University of Cyprus
Research and Development Department, ENGINO-NET
LIMITED (Founder &CEO)
Chair of the Department of
Education Sciences,
University of Cyprus
08:45 - 09:15
Participant Registration
09:15 - 09:35
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Zacharias Zacharia – University of Cyprus / Ministry of Education,
Cyprus Computer Society
09:35 - 10:15
Keynote Speech:
Computational Thinking, Programming, and Robotics and their Application in Education
Prof. Marcelo Milrad, Department of Computer Science and Media Technology,
Linnaeus University
10:15 - 10:35
Evaluation Methodology and Key Results/Conclusions from the GINOBOT Project
Dr. Anastasios Chovardas, Department of Education Sciences,
University of Cyprus
10:35 - 10:55
From Idea to Production: Mechanical and Electronic Design of a New Robot
Costas Sisamos, Research and Development Department, ENGINO-NET LIMITED
10:55 - 11:15
Discussion & Questions
Dr. Zacharias Zacharia, Chair of the Department of Education Sciences, University of Cyprus
11:15 - 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 – 13:30
Workshops: Primary School Cycle A (Room: A014),
Primary School Cycle B (Room: B002), Secondary School (Room: B001), High School (Room: B003)
The project is co-funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
