Recent developments in technology have begun to shape the way educators engage students with learning materials. Some of the most influential technology in the education space has been drones. These airborne platforms have opened the door for STEM learning opportunities that are engaging and fun for students of all ages. At Rocket Drones, we are the very first drone education company that has been built from the ground up by drone professionals for schools. In this article, we will dive deeper into how drones are changing the traditional classroom environment and how easy it is for educators to get involved.
6 Ways Drone Education is Changing Learning for Students
Using drones for education goes way beyond just the basics. From gamification to high-intensity drone racing, there are new ways to have fun while learning popping up every day. Here are six ways that drone education is changing the way teachers teach.
- Enhancing STEM education. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have been a hot-button topic in education over the past decades with more and more STEM careers coming online. Drones open the door to several different applications in education. More pragmatically, teaching the physics of flight is easier with hands-on learning while piloting a drone in the classroom or in the field. A lesson that would have normally been confined to a textbook and video is now completely immersive with the help of drones. There is also a computer science component with coding drones. The most advanced drone technology uses lines of code for automated commands and onboard processes. Students who are interested in the behind-the-scenes work can get involved away from the controls. The possibilities are almost endless!
- New ways to explore creativity. Although drone technology is heavily geared toward a STEM curriculum, there is an artistic component. It is no secret that drones have been used in the world of film and photography to capture one-of-a-kind aerial perspectives and breathtaking content. Integrating drones into film and photography classes gives students an opportunity to express their creativity like never before. Even better, it gives them a chance to start building a portfolio of creative work if they want to pursue a career after school. Aerial shots that once meant taking a ride in a helicopter are now possible with just the click of a button and a trained eye.
- Teaching students to work in teams. A post-pandemic world and the rise of remote learning has led to some students having limited access to team activities. Many drone activities require collaboration and thinking in groups to complete tasks or solve complex problems. This gives students an opportunity to work on their social skills and learn how to accomplish a goal and as a team. No matter what field of work they go into after high school, these skills are critically important in the workforce.
- Drones level the playing field for inclusivity. Now more than ever before, educators are laser focused on ensuring the classroom is a place where everyone feels included. Drones allow students of all abilities to engage in an exciting learning activity alongside their classmates without being left out. Even more exciting is in the world of drone racing. Finally, students with disabilities are able to compete and represent the school in one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. This can have a profound impact on confidence and a sense of belonging for students who may otherwise feel forgotten in traditional sports and activities.
- Drone programs prepare students for high-paying careers. The integration of drones into school programs and education have given students a true pathway in the career and technical education space or CTE. Once dominated by cosmetology, automotive, and hospitality programs, drones have made a major impact in the world of CTE. These programs prepare students for careers right out of high school without having to go to a four-year university. The timing of this couldn’t be better since there is a growing consensus among high school students that college degrees are no longer worth the investment. Read more about it in this article!
- Gamification makes learning fun. Flying a drone can feel a lot like playing a video game for most people. It’s not uncommon for a young person who is familiar with a gaming console controller to pick it up rather quickly as it feels very familiar. To add to it, educators can gamify their lesson plans with various delivery challenges, racing, maneuvering competitions, and more. Adding this layer of gamification can give students a much needed break from the monotony of traditional classroom learning and get them re-engaged with the material.
How Rocket Drones is Changing Drone Education
As you can imagine, there are a lot of options for educators out there for drone technology. In fact, any educator can log onto Amazon and buy a drone for their classroom. However, this only gets the kids a piece of the puzzle. Rocket Drones delivers an out-of-the-box drone kit that has been developed from the ground up with educators in mind. This includes access to a drone racing kit, a classroom STEM kit, drone curriculums, and even drone certification training. We take it a step further and give the students an opportunity to become FAA certified, a key prerequisite to professional employment. Even better, Rocket Drones ensures that students graduate with real logged flight hours and a comprehensive portfolio, proving that they have the skills of a manual pilot that employers want most.
Final Thoughts on Drone Education
Drones have changed the education landscape for the better. Now, students and teachers are more equipped than ever before to tackle complex STEM objectives in a fun learning environment. Drones take it a step further after traditional education by preparing young students for high-paying careers the second they graduate. Drones aren’t just changing education. They are changing the way our workforce operates.
The Rocket Drones Difference
You can give your students a foundation in drone education and safety with Rocket Drones. We are the premier provider of drone racing, drone curriculum, and drone career training for middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Our mission is to expose students to the exciting world of drones and help them develop the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in various technology-related careers.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to take the next step with Rocket Drones at your school, learn more about it and get in touch with us on our curriculums page.