In 2023 the competition “First VEX VR STEAM Center” took place. Four high schools from the frontera region had VEX V5 kits, donated previously by Shoulder to Shoulder. Teams were anxious to take off on this new adventure. Soon they were given the go ahead to prepare for a virtual coding competition. A few days later mentors and students were trained on how to use the VEX Code VR platform.
Each school selected its three best programmers to compete in the STEM Center. Students had to complete ten programming exercises during the event. Many of our students have limited access to technology and computers in their communities of origin. Even so, they exceeded the expectations of the judges through their exquisite programming logic, their imagination and abilities in the MOE’s identified use of “Technology in Informatics and Communication (TIC)”. At the event’s end we awarded the top three participants.
With this educational precursor to programming, in 2024 we intend to change directions and develop the competition through a physical robot competition where teams can manipulate their VEX V5 kits. Our robotics coordinators continue to expand their VEX knowledge in V5 and other modalities.
