Mind the GeekLunch Talk40min
Java, LEGO & AI: Teaching the Next Generation to Build, Not Just Prompt
This session shows why teaching programming still matters in the AI era, using LEGO SPIKE robots in Java-based workshops for children. It covers technical methods to control SPIKE with Java, challenges encountered, educational lessons learned, and includes live robot demos.
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Eddy VosDevoxx4Kids Netherlands
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Monday, October 5, 12:40-13:20
TBA 4
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Generative AI can write code in seconds. So does it still make sense to teach programming to children?
We at Devoxx4Kids think it does.
In our workshops, we use LEGO SPIKE robots to teach problem-solving, software design and computational thinking. There is just one challenge: LEGO SPIKE does not officially support Java.
Rather than accepting that limitation, we explored alternative approaches to bring Java to the platform and make LEGO robots accessible to our next generation Java developers.
In this session, we'll share our journey, demonstrate how Java can be used to control LEGO SPIKE robots, discuss the technical challenges we encountered, and show real-world examples from educational settings.
Attendees will learn:
We at Devoxx4Kids think it does.
In our workshops, we use LEGO SPIKE robots to teach problem-solving, software design and computational thinking. There is just one challenge: LEGO SPIKE does not officially support Java.
Rather than accepting that limitation, we explored alternative approaches to bring Java to the platform and make LEGO robots accessible to our next generation Java developers.
In this session, we'll share our journey, demonstrate how Java can be used to control LEGO SPIKE robots, discuss the technical challenges we encountered, and show real-world examples from educational settings.
Attendees will learn:
- Why programming fundamentals remain relevant in the AI era
- How LEGO SPIKE can be integrated into a Java ecosystem
- Technical approaches for controlling SPIKE robots with Java
- Lessons learned while teaching children with physical computing platforms
Eddy Vos
Eddy is the chairman of Devoxx4Kids Netherlands and an Engineering Manager at Ahold Delhaize Netherlands. He has a focus on AI, Data, FinOps and Java.
He loves to share his knowledge and help in his free time, with the Devoxx4Kids Foundation, kids to learn how to code in a fun way.
He loves to share his knowledge and help in his free time, with the Devoxx4Kids Foundation, kids to learn how to code in a fun way.