On June 6 junior and senior kindergarten classes from Sudbury’s École St-Joseph and Coniston’s École Notre-Dame de la Merci gathered at the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario board office to take part in the Minirobots party. These 18 students, who took part this year in the “Much More than a Robot” (C’est beaucoup plus qu’un robot) pilot project, had the opportunity to build a robot and play with their robots. This gathering celebrated the success of students taking part in this 21st-century learning skills and teaching project.

As part of the Much More than a Robot initiative, the four and five-year-old students built robots by following existing models then programmed their creations. The use of manipulative materials and technology gave students the opportunity to learn and develop 21st-century skills such as communications and team work. This project also promoted the development of fine motor skills.

Through their study of robotics and by integrating emerging technology into the classroom, Junior and Senior Kindergarten students were also able to develop various learning skills related to their social and personal development. By accessing technology, they were able to learn and play, complete various solution-oriented operations, assemble figurines, follow directives, and become independent and responsible learners.

While this year’s “Much More than a Robot” project was offered to Junior and Senior Kindergarten students, the CSCNO is considering extending this program to grade 1 students in 2014-2015.