How Techakids is Transforming STEM Education
When we launched Techakids a decade ago, very few educational tools were available for teaching STEM. Back then, we had to source many of our technologies from overseas—places like Europe, Japan, and China, which had far more advanced STEM education systems than in the U.S. But as technology evolves, so does the knowledge our children need to stay ahead.
Ten years ago, kids were in awe just to see an LED light up on an Arduino board, or to type out simple code on a PC or Chromebook. I never could have imagined how quickly those lessons and tools would become outdated. Today, with the rise of machine learning and AI, the future looks very different—even the idea of spending 12 hours coding in Java might soon be a thing of the past.
Just a decade ago, our students were only lighting up LEDs. Now, we’re introducing them to humanoid and quadruped robotics, as well as the sophisticated technologies that power them.
This year, Techakids is focused on exposing children from the Torrance Unified School District to these in-demand technologies, helping them understand and master them.
Here’s what we’re offering this year:
Computer Programming: Python is the computer programming language of many new technologies, and our students will learn to harness it to program the latest in robotics.
Robotics: As automation continues to grow, building and programming robots is becoming essential. Our students will dive into humanoid and quadruped robotics, as well as machine learning.
Internet of Things (IoT): From smart homes to connected cars, understanding how devices interact with each other is crucial. Our kids will learn how IoT is shaping the future.
Drones: Whether it’s for agriculture, delivery, or filmmaking, drones are everywhere. We’ll teach students how to navigate these high-flying tools in various fields.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Immersive experiences aren’t just for gaming; they’re being used in education, training, and beyond. Our classes will show kids how to create their own VR and AR experiences.
Swarm Robotics: Imagine robots working together to solve complex problems—like searching large areas after a natural disaster. Our students will explore how these decentralized systems can cover more ground more efficiently.
Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars are no longer a futuristic dream. We’ll explore the technology behind them and what it means for the future.
Voice and Speech Recognition: From Siri to Alexa, voice assistants are everywhere. We’ll explore the tech that powers them and their real-world applications.
Collaborative Technologies: Teamwork is key in tech. Our kids will learn how to use cloud-based platforms for project management and collaboration.
