Pythaverse Robotics: Encouraging Innovation Among The Youth

In preparation for the challenges of the future digital landscape, MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) is implementing the Pythaverse Robotics curriculum in the Grades 9 and 10 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) classes of this school year.

This initiative was suggested by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as a means to encourage innovation and creativity, and to promote technological literacy among students. 

Pythaverse is a company with an innovative web-based software that seeks to integrate Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STREAM) into its curriculum. It connects the theoretical knowledge of students with practical robotics applications, enhancing their critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills. 

John Wesley Mambiar, the Grade 10 ICT teacher, highlighted that Pythaverse provides comprehensive support, including robots, lesson plans, and projects, making it easier and more convenient for both students and teachers.“And, in terms of lessons, it’s practically still programming, but programming with a purpose. So, meaning, you can apply it in a real-life setting, particularly, in robotics,” said Grade 9 ICT teacher, Jemimah Keren Manalo.

Pythaverse offers a variety of new systems, one of which is Pythaverse Learn (PLearn), which uses a Learning Management System (LMS) that facilitates lesson and communication delivery. Starting this school year, PLearn will function as the ICT class’s counterpart of Google Classroom for Grades 9 to 10. Other systems include Pythaverse Integrated Development Environment (PIDE) for the compilation of source codes and Pythaverse Git (PGIT), which is used for source code management.Moreover, C++ will now be replacing Python as the programming language for ICT classes. Every electronic robot and machine follows commands that are coded in a particular programming language and sent through the provided system.

“Robotics as a curriculum is a whole new topic. I feel that the change of curriculum will allow us to have a more open mind about technology… by introducing robotics. [I’m also] excited to build robots this year,” shared Lucas Garcia of Patmos B.

Damascus B’s Samara Ang agreed, “[In robotics] varsity, for you to be able to get in, you really need to know how to code [but] now that we have [it in] ICT… everyone will be able to learn about robotics… I’m excited to see how the new robots work [and] how the curriculum [will work].”