The Institute for Innovative Learning (IL), Mahidol University, organized the workshop “STEM & Robotics Camp (Robot War Activity)” for secondary school students from Wat Rai Khing Wittaya School, Nakhon Pathom Province, on September 29, 2026, at the Computer Center, Phra Ubali Building, 3rd Floor, Wat Rai Khing Wittaya School, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom.
The workshop was designed to promote learning in Coding, Robotics, and Technology through hands-on and challenge-based learning experiences. Students were guided through a progressive learning process, from learning the fundamentals of micro:bit and programming to designing, building, testing, and operating robots to complete assigned missions.
The program began with “Motivation and Inspiration Technology”, followed by Module 1: Introduction to micro:bit and Expansion Boards. Students were introduced to the micro:bit board, its functions, and Expansion Boards. They practiced basic programming commands for controlling connected devices, including LED displays, and learned how to upload code to the board. This provided a foundation for applying programming concepts to robotic systems.
The students then participated in Module 2: Programming for Robot Drive Systems, where they learned how to connect a drive system to an Expansion Board and develop programs to control robot movement using micro:bit. The module also introduced radio-based control, allowing students to develop both a remote controller and a signal receiver for the robot. Through this process, students could understand the connection between programming, electronic components, and robotic control in a practical context.
The learning experience continued with Module 3: Building the Robot, in which students designed and customized their robots and tested their movement using micro:bit-based controls. Students were encouraged to experiment with their designs, identify problems, test solutions, and improve their creations through an iterative process.
The workshop culminated in Module 4: Mission Challenge – Robot War, where students applied the knowledge and skills they had developed throughout the workshop to complete practical missions. The challenge encouraged students to plan strategies, make decisions, work collaboratively, and apply programming and robotic control skills to achieve specific goals.
Throughout the workshop, students worked in small groups with guidance from the instructional team, comprising Dr. Phongphatai Kitroongrojjanaporn, Mr. Namchok Khunmuenwong, and Ms. Jiraporn Karaket. The facilitators provided continuous support and guidance, enabling students to learn through experimentation, teamwork, and hands-on creation.
The workshop concluded with a Closing Section: Debrief, Reflect, and Expanded Knowledge, where students reviewed their learning, reflected on their experiences, and explored how programming knowledge could be further applied to Robotics and everyday life. The activity concluded with the presentation of prizes, souvenirs, and certificates to celebrate students’ participation and achievements.
The STEM & Robotics Camp: Robot War reflects the contribution of the Institute for Innovative Learning, Mahidol University, in translating its expertise in educational technology, STEM, Coding, and Robotics into meaningful learning experiences for young learners. Through hands-on and challenge-based approaches, IL connects theoretical knowledge with practical application and provides learners with opportunities to actively create, experiment, and solve problems.
From an impact perspective, the workshop contributes to the development of essential future-ready skills, including computational thinking, systematic thinking, problem-solving, design thinking, experimentation, collaboration, and decision-making. These skills are developed not only through instruction but through an iterative process of designing, testing, identifying errors, and improving solutions.
More importantly, the program goes beyond teaching students how to code or build robots. It aims to foster an innovator mindset by encouraging learners to learn through action, embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve their solutions. This approach reflects IL’s commitment to bringing learning innovation into real-world contexts and empowering learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.
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