UniSA is running a robotics program to inspire a new generation of STEM-savvy teachers.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) has launched an innovative robotics initiative, integrating hands-on training into its digital electronics undergraduate course to equip future educators with skills to teach robotics. 

The university says it aims to tackle Australia’s shortage of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills, while sparking students’ interest in these fields.

With growing demand for automation and robotics expertise across industries, the program addresses a key issue: the limited number of effective STEM-focused educational initiatives. “Robotics is a fantastic way to introduce and get students excited about STEM and computer science,” says UniSA Education Futures’ robotics expert and course developer, Emil Zankov.

However, he said many teachers hesitate to embrace these technologies due to unfamiliarity. 

“That’s where UniSA comes in. Through the VEX educational robotics program, our pre-service teachers graduate with the skills to teach robotics confidently and creatively in schools,” Zankov added.

The VEX Robotics platform, used in primary through tertiary levels, enables pre-service teachers to design, code, and build robots, with the opportunity to enter competitions. 

“This is a platform that we can use all the way from five-year-olds through to high school and tertiary students,” Zankov said.

UniSA’s program is designed to go beyond technical skills to foster teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, creating what Zankov calls “an authentic, hands-on approach” to STEM learning. 

He said the audible excitement from students when their robots perform as programmed is “pure magic”.

Addressing Australia’s STEM skills shortage is critical, with nearly half of businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting skilled workers. 

The Australian government has called for collective action to boost student interest in STEM subjects, which is currently stagnant. 

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