Cultivating Hands-On Innovation Through Robotics
At Educational Pathways Academy, a private school for dyslexia in Florida, innovation and collaboration come alive in our Robotics classes for middle school students at our Doris Frey Campus. Designed to engage students with learning disabilities in hands-on, real-world applications of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), these classes use the True Robotics™ curriculum to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage teamwork. In this class, students go beyond simply studying technology—they actively engage with it, developing important skills while solving practical challenges.
Exploring Technology Through Collaboration and Problem Solving
In Robotics, students take their theoretical knowledge and apply it to solve real-world problems. Each lesson offers an opportunity for students to collaborate, problem-solve, and apply newly learned skills in a fun, interactive environment.
In a recent lesson, the challenge was to program the robots to stop before running into obstacles using ultrasonic sensors. Their teacher began by reviewing the key concepts of these sensors and how they help with navigation. Students followed along using a combination of visual slides and an instructional video, creating their own programming code on computers. Working in teams, they tested and adjusted their code to ensure the robots responded correctly. This hands-on process reinforced their learning and encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
By engaging multiple senses—touch, sight, hearing, and action—students deepen their understanding and retain knowledge in ways traditional methods often can’t achieve.
This approach is especially impactful for students with learning disabilities, who thrive when learning through hands-on experiences. By actively engaging with the material, students transform abstract concepts into concrete understanding, making learning more accessible and effective.
In addition to technical skills, our Robotics classes emphasize teamwork, which is essential for personal and academic growth. Students work in groups to build, program, and problem-solve, which enhances their communication skills and fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment. By learning to work together toward a common goal, students develop respect for each other’s strengths and perspectives, creating a positive classroom culture where all learners can thrive.
Through our Robotics classes, students not only acquire technical skills and build confidence but also develop essential problem-solving and teamwork abilities that support their academic success, personal growth, and future careers.
Watch the video below to see our students in action as they bring their robots to life and collaborate to overcome programming challenges.
Building Brighter Futures
Our Robotics program, launched this year, was made possible through the generous support of Pathways Fund donors. With your help, we’ve been able to invest in a cutting-edge, reusable system that allows students to assemble, reassemble, and explore robotics in countless ways for years to come. This program is just one example of how your contributions provide exceptional learning opportunities for our students, fostering innovation, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Thank you for partnering with us to empower students with learning disabilities to thrive!