Empowering Future Innovators: VEX Robotics Workshop Ignites STEAM Passion at Sekolah Dian Harapan

In a significant move to integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) into classroom and extra curricular instruction, Sekolah Dian Harapan (SDH) Lippo Village hosted a hands-on workshop entitled “Empowering Future Innovators: An Introduction to VEX 123 & VEX IQ Robotics”. Conducted in collaboration with ProVisi Mandiri Pratama (ProVisi), the event underscored the school’s commitment to advancing innovation in STEAM learning by utilizing VEX Robotics kits.

Running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the workshop brought together teachers from various grade levels, all eager to broaden their teaching strategies and equip their classroom with VEX Robotics kits. Chatarina Trihastuti, Director of ProVisi, inaugurated the event with an opening remark, emphasizing the critical role of STEAM Education in preparing students for an ever-changing future. She stated “Integrating VEX Robotics into school learning is a strategic step in nurturing intelligent and adaptable young minds. Robotics is a great driver to help students become creators using technology and not just consumers of technology”. 

Chatarina Trihastuti, Director of ProVisi, delivered an opening remark

The workshop consisted of two tailored sessions, each designed to enhance teachers’ fluency in robotics education. The first session introduced Junior High School teachers to the VEX IQ and Virtual Robot (VR) platform. With group collaborations as its centerpiece, educators enthusiastically engaged in interactive tasks, including robot assembly using detailed 3D instructions. The hands-on approach fostered teamwork, creativity, and active problem-solving, aligning with the workshop’s goal on encouraging practical strategies for classroom implementation. 

Teachers collaborated by sharing roles to assemble the VEX IQ Speed Build robot using 3D instructions

The second session allowed the Primary School teachers to explore VEX 123 through hands-on individual trials. This personal experience helped them better understand programming features, robot controls, and practical teaching applications. Teachers noted the need for strong focus and guidance when introducing robotics to students, especially in their early stages. The session highlighted the importance of structured school support to ensure effective integration. Beyond the technical aspect, teachers gained insights into applying robotics meaningfully to foster creativity and critical thinking.

Following the demo, participants joined a Q&A and practice session where they explored VEX’s features such as Virtual Robot (VR) access, coding options, and content customization. Teachers also raised thoughtful questions about age-appropriate simulations and the need for supportive training—especially when introducing Python programming to the classroom. “The integration of robotics into our curriculum will significantly enhance student engagement and comprehension in coding lessons,” said Ms. Rini, a Primary teacher.

The feedback from teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed excitement about incorporating robotics into their lesson plans and emphasized the importance of hands-on training and on-site guidance during the early stages of implementation.

Enda Hidayat, Education Coordinator of Provisi, demonstrated the Coder and Cards Coder, a tool that helps children learn coding more easily using the 123 robot

This workshop marks a promising step toward transforming how technology is integrated in schools. With platforms like VEX Robotics, teachers are not only equipped with cutting-edge tools but also inspired to bring STEAM education to life in meaningful and innovative ways.