MOBILE, Ala. – Teachers at Pine Grove Elementary in Bay Minette, Alabama, soon will be using robots to bring computer science and digital literacy lessons to life, thanks to a unique partnership with the University of Mobile School of Education.
Dr. Jessica Freeland, assistant professor of education at UM, will conduct a hands-on training session for teachers at Pine Grove Elementary on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 12-3 p.m., where she will demonstrate how the robots can be used to enhance lessons in math, science, social studies, reading, and even physical education. Her goal is to build teacher confidence in using technology by making coding and robotics more accessible and relatable.
“Too often, teachers shy away from technology like robotics because they find terms like ‘coding’ intimidating,” said Freeland. “Through this project, I want to demystify those concepts and show how robots can be seamlessly integrated into everyday lessons. By empowering educators, we’re ensuring that students will be exposed to critical 21st-century skills in a fun and engaging way.”
Educational Robots Provided Through Grant
A key feature of the project is its dual impact: both Pine Grove Elementary and the University of Mobile will benefit. Half of the robots will remain with Pine Grove Elementary, while the other half will be used by Freeland to train UM’s pre-service teachers in her Education & Technology courses in the School of Education.
“This initiative allows us to not only support a high-needs school but also equip future teachers with hands-on experience in robotics and coding,” Freeland explained.
As the UM School of Education instructional design and technology graduate program coordinator, Freeland is passionate about empowering classroom teachers with the knowledge and skills to provide the computer science and digital literacy instruction required for elementary schools by the Alabama State Department of Education. She envisions her TE 405 students at UM partnering with Pine Grove teachers to co-teach robotics lessons, further reinforcing the collaboration between the two institutions and enhancing the educational experience for students on both ends.
Dr. Pam Moorer, principal of Pine Grove Elementary, said, “We are so grateful to the University of Mobile and to the North Baldwin Community Foundation. The more opportunities we can offer our students, the more their horizons are broadened. You never know when you are going to spark something in a child, something that could lead to what they do in the future. We hope this inspires our students and creates curiosity they want to explore.”
The project was made possible by a grant from the North Baldwin Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama.
Robots in Action
The robots provided through the grant are designed to introduce elementary students to early coding and problem-solving skills in engaging, age-appropriate ways. Below are brief descriptions of the robots that both Pine Grove Elementary and the University of Mobile will receive:
- 4 Sphero Indi Robots: These small, car-like robots can be programmed to follow paths by placing color-coded mats on the floor. Indi responds to commands such as “Speed Up” or “Turn Right,” helping students grasp basic coding concepts and practice computational thinking.
- 6 Bee Bots and 6 Bee Bot Mats: These robots allow students to input a sequence of directional commands to navigate obstacles or reach designated points on a mat. They teach students programming logic through fun, interactive challenges and foster critical thinking and debugging skills.
- 4 Ozobot Evo Robots: These small robots follow black lines and respond to color-coded markers, allowing students to create custom paths and commands. For more advanced learners, Ozobots can also be programmed using block coding through an app, offering a deeper dive into coding.
Empowering Students Through Technology
Freeland says introducing young students to robotics and coding will prepare them for future learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
“Robotics isn’t just about learning to code; it’s about problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity,” said Freeland. “These are the skills that will help today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators. My hope is that by making robotics accessible, students will develop confidence in their abilities and discover how much fun learning can be.”
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.