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, 2016 in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture that aims to raise their chances and skills in life by studying programming.)
It’s never too early to get into computers! I-system Inc. (headquarters: Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture; CEO: Tooru Shitayama) is starting a course for elementary students titled “Future Children Classroom RoboLab” from June 3 (Fri.), 2016 in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture that aims to raise their chances and skills in life by studying programming. Ahead of the course, I-systems will also hold free classes on May 22 and 28 where students can experience RoboLab before applying for the June course.
The Background for Launching the Course
The much-needed STEM education
Although the world has been enlivened with the keywords “robot,” “IoT,” and “big data,” the younger generation’s (especially children’s) science phobia is growing to be a problem. But the thing is, being able to use a computer and other machines is looked upon as a basic skill needed both on the job and in everyday life. Many countries have voiced the necessity of programming education including Japan, where “Instrumentation and Management with Programs” is a required subject in junior high schools since 2012.
In order to answer the arising interest in STEM education, I-system is including a new service in its repertoire: Using their accumulated technology and know-how, they are providing a means to develop the skills of IT, programming, mechanical engineering, logical thinking, and communication. The people at I-system thought that with computerization advancing day by day, the need of parents to have their children learn skills that will help them actively survive in this society matches the profile and technology of their company, and that is what led to starting this course.
About STEM education
STEM is an acronym of the words Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics that refers to a new field in gifted education. By deepening children’s understanding toward science and technology and improving their science and technology literacy, STEM education aims to raise the number of talented people who are able to make innovations on a global scene in the long run.
A curriculum that emphasises practice
Most programming courses using robots in Japan use a language easily understandable to children such as Scratch. The problem with this, however, is that it will cause them to stagnate at a low level of understanding, as it is not practical enough as a technique.
This course also adds in programs that are often used in the FA (Factory Automation) industry as well as principles in machine operation using blocks designed for children, allowing for a more hands-on approach and improvement of their craftsmanship skills. It is hard to find a course such as this that incorporates languages which are actually being used in society.
Through the process of making things with their own hands, I-system provides a means for children to learn essential skills including mechanical engineering, communication, the ability to concentrate, and the ability to think for themselves, that they can later put to use in various occupations.
Course Introduction
Basic Course
Target: 1-6th grade students
Monthly Tuition Fee: ¥12,000 (+tax)
There are three 90 minute classes per month that study one unit per lesson. There are 12 units in total.
Teaching Materials: LEGO® Mindstorms® Education WeDo (TM)
(A robotic programming system aimed at 1st grade or higher students, provided by LEGO®)
Course Contents:
1st Class - Basic Making: Let’s Build Something & Have Fun! (90 min)
Builds up the class subject and students’ free thinking abilities by first letting them experience the joy of building.
2nd Class - Application: Let’s Think Deeper! (90 min)
Deepens the children’s understanding of the constructions and applications used in the class subject through group discussion.
3rd Class - Scratch: Let’s Move It with Scratch! (90 min)
Students will program in Scratch, a programming language designed for children, and deepen their basic understanding of programming.
I-system is also planning to launch a course for high school students in 2017 that aims to improve their knowledge from the basics to application in a fun way using LEGO® Mindstorms® Education EV3.
Free Trial Class Schedule
Dates & Times:
- May 22 (Sun.), 2016 10:00–11:30 and 13:00–14:30
- May 28 (Sat.), 2016 10:00–11:30 and 13:00–14:30
Capacity: Six students for each class (by order of arrival)
Address: I-system Inc., 3rd floor, 275-6 Matsumoto, Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Application Page: http://www.robolab-mirai.com/trial.html
Future Children Classroom RoboLab: http://www.robolab-mirai.com
Source: @Press
