Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Ministry of preschool education launched a pilot project to develop algorithmic thinking in children, aimed at effectively solving problems.

On 9 February 2021, a ceremony was held for the handover of smart robots Albert and Genibot, designed to teach children robotics and programming skills. Partners from the Republic of Korea donated 275 robots and 350 teaching aids to the preschool educational institution of Uzbekistan.

The event was held in an online format with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Preschool Education, the Korean Institute for the Promotion of the Robot Industry KIRIA, the Korean Teachers Association, as well as FRG Korea, Dazzle Edu, Genie Robot and SK Telecom.

“When we talk about programming skills in kindergarten, we don't mean writing code. We are talking about the development of algorithmic thinking, which is the key to success in modern realities. Robots in a playful way develop creativity, logic, the ability to recognize patterns and find optimal solutions. The world has entered the era of information technology. The ability to operate software, speak and give orders in the language of computers has become imperative. We want our children's skills to meet the requirements of the times,” said Oyatillo Rakhmatillaev, director of the Innovation Center for Information and Pedagogical Technologies at Ministry of preschool education.

Albert and Genibot robots are intended for pupils from 6 years old. At the first stage, with the help of ready-made coding cards, the child makes the toy move, blink, speak. This is how he understands how code blocks work. Older children, by connecting the robot to a smartphone, can create their own commands and algorithms.

The robot-based training program has performed well in the Republic of Korea. There, with the support of the government, 140 classrooms were opened, reaching more than a thousand students across the country. Schools and kindergartens in France, Spain, Costa Rica and Peru have launched similar pilot programs.

“The future belongs to robotics and the automated industry. We are pleased to be part of this progress in Uzbekistan, and we hope that Korea and Uzbekistan will fruitfully cooperate not only in the field of robotics, but also in the field of innovation,” said Chonil Moon, President of KIRIA.

Albert and Genibot robots will be distributed in 53 preschool centers throughout Uzbekistan. The training of teachers in the field and monitoring the results of the pilot project will be carried out by the Innovation Center for Information and Pedagogical Technologies at the Ministry of preschool education.

If the pilot project is completed successfully, the Ministry of Preschool Education of Uzbekistan will provide more kindergartens with smart robots, as well as supplement their functionality with a program for children with disabilities.