EDUCATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS USING MICRO PYTHON PROGRAMMING AND BLOCKBASED PROGRAMMING TO DESIGN ROBOTIC ARMS FOR MEDICATION DELIVERY AND HEALTHCARE IN ISOLATION AREAS

In the context of the COVID19 pandemic, the use of Micro Python programming and blockbased programming with robotic arms not only holds significant importance in elementary education but also brings great benefits to the healthcare sector, particularly when combined with robotic arms 1. The advancement of science and technology has led to innovative approaches in educating elementary school students. By utilizing Micro Python programming and blockbased programming, students can engage in the construction and control of robotic arms. This not only facilitates an easy and enjoyable understanding of programming languages but also fosters the development of logical thinking and creativity among young learners 2. The integration of programming and robotic arms provides elementary school students with opportunities to explore and apply mathematical and logical knowledge in reallife scenarios. They can program robots to perform simple tasks such as movement and basic operations. This not only helps children grasp concepts visually but also encourages problemsolving skills and teamwork.

EDUCATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS USING MICRO PYTHON PROGRAMMING AND BLOCK-BASED PROGRAMMING TO DESIGN ROBOTIC ARMS FOR MEDICATION DELIVERY AND

HEALTHCARE IN ISOLATION AREAS

Nhut Quang Nguyen

Can Tho University, Viet Nam

nhutquangnguyen543 @gmail.comORCID NO: 0009-0002-1555-2716

ABSTRACT

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of Micro Python programming and based programming with robotic arms not only holds significant importance in elementaryeducation but also brings great benefits to the healthcare sector, particularly when combinedwith robotic arms [1]

block-The advancement of science and technology has led to innovative approaches in educatingelementary school students By utilizing Micro Python programming and block-basedprogramming, students can engage in the construction and control of robotic arms This notonly facilitates an easy and enjoyable understanding of programming languages but alsofosters the development of logical thinking and creativity among young learners [2]

The integration of programming and robotic arms provides elementary school students withopportunities to explore and apply mathematical and logical knowledge in real-life scenarios.They can program robots to perform simple tasks such as movement and basic operations.This not only helps children grasp concepts visually but also encourages problem-solvingskills and teamwork

The combination of Micro Python programming, robotic arms, and elementary educationoffers remarkable advantages It enables students to develop essential skills for a technology-dependent world, from programming and logical thinking to creativity and collaborativeabilities Moreover, experiencing technology and robots in the learning process ignitesstudents' interest and passion, allowing them to envision a promising future that revolvesaround technology and science

Therefore, I have embarked on a project titled "Educating Elementary School Students UsingMicro Python Programming and Block-based Programming to Design Robotic Arms forMedication Delivery and Healthcare in Isolation Areas."

Keywords: Elementary School Students, Python Programming, Block-based Programming,

Medication Delivery

1 INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the rapid advancements in technology have opened up new possibilities foreducation, particularly in the field of programming and robotics Integrating these cutting-edge technologies into elementary school curricula can provide young students with valuableskills and foster their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and interest in STEM fields Thisarticle aims to explore the educational benefits of using Micro Python programming andblock-based programming to design robotic arms for medication delivery and healthcare inisolation areas

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for safe and efficienthealthcare solutions, particularly in isolation areas where direct human contact is limited.Robotic arms have emerged as a promising tool for various tasks, including medicationdelivery and healthcare assistance By involving elementary school students in designing andprogramming robotic arms, we can not only enhance their understanding of robotics but alsoempower them to contribute to solving real-world challenges

Micro Python programming, a beginner-friendly variant of the Python programminglanguage, provides an accessible entry point for young learners Its simplicity and versatilitymake it an ideal platform for introducing programming concepts and fostering computationalthinking By combining Micro Python programming with block-based programmingenvironments, students can grasp fundamental programming principles while utilizing visualblocks to design and control robotic arms

The objective of this educational approach is to engage elementary school students in a

hands-on learning experience that promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.Through a series of guided activities and projects, students will gain practical knowledge inprogramming concepts, robotics, and the interdisciplinary aspects of healthcare By focusing

on medication delivery and healthcare in isolation areas, students can understand thesignificance of technology in improving patient care and addressing challenges faced duringhealth crises

This article will discuss the pedagogical framework, project-based activities, and assessmentstrategies employed in the educational program It will also highlight the anticipated learningoutcomes, such as improved programming skills, enhanced understanding of robotics, andincreased awareness of the importance of healthcare innovation

2 DISSCUSION

a Micro Python

Micro Python is a variant of the Python programming language [4] that has gained popularitydue to its suitability for microcontrollers and embedded systems It offers a lightweight andefficient platform for programming small-scale devices, making it a valuable tool in variousfields, including medicine and education Notably, Micro Python has found applications in thedevelopment of robotic arms for medical purposes and as an educational tool for teachingelementary students about programming and robotics

In the medical field, Micro Python has revolutionized the design and control of robotic armsused in surgical procedures and rehabilitation Robotic arms programmed with Micro Pythoncan perform precise and complex movements, aiding surgeons in delicate surgeries andproviding enhanced dexterity These robotic arms can also be utilized in rehabilitation settings

to assist patients in regaining motor skills and improving their quality of life Byprogramming the robotic arms with Micro Python, medical professionals can customize theirfunctionalities, adjust movement parameters, and ensure safe and accurate performance.Moreover, Micro Python has been instrumental in developing medical devices and wearablesensors that improve patient monitoring and healthcare delivery With its compatibility withmicrocontrollers, Micro Python allows for the integration of various sensors and actuators,enabling the creation of smart devices that can measure vital signs, monitor medicationadherence, or detect abnormal health conditions These devices equipped with Micro Pythonprogramming can transmit real-time data, enabling remote healthcare monitoring and timelyinterventions, especially in situations where physical access to medical facilities is limited

In the context of education, Micro Python serves as an excellent platform for teachingprogramming and robotics to elementary school students Its simplicity and resemblance tothe widely used Python language make it accessible for young learners By utilizing MicroPython, students can gain hands-on experience in coding and understand programmingconcepts while working on projects involving robotic arms

Teaching elementary students to program robot arms using Micro Python promotesinterdisciplinary learning Students can explore the fields of engineering, computer science,and healthcare as they design and program robot arms for specific tasks For example,students may be tasked with programming a robot arm to simulate medication delivery orassisting in patient care in isolation areas By engaging in such projects, students developcritical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the practicalapplications of technology in healthcare settings

Furthermore, integrating Micro Python into elementary education encourages creativity andteamwork Students collaborate in designing and programming the robot arms, fosteringcommunication and collaboration skills They learn to break down complex problems intomanageable tasks, apply programming concepts to control the robot arm's movements, andtroubleshoot any challenges that arise during the process This hands-on experience helpsstudents develop a passion for STEM fields and nurtures their curiosity and problem-solvingmindset

b Block-based programming

Block-based programming is a visual programming approach that allows users to createprograms by dragging and dropping blocks of code rather than writing text-based code [3] Itsimplifies the programming process, especially for beginners, by abstracting complex syntax

and emphasizing the logical structure of the program Block-based programming has gainedsignificant popularity in various fields, including medicine and education It offers versatileapplications in the development of medical solutions, teaching elementary studentsprogramming and robotics, and programming robot arms.

In the medical field, block-based programming provides a user-friendly platform fordesigning and controlling medical devices and systems It enables healthcare professionalsand engineers to develop intuitive interfaces for medical equipment, patient monitoringsystems, and telemedicine applications By utilizing visual blocks, medical practitioners cancreate custom algorithms for data analysis, decision-making, and device control Block-basedprogramming empowers medical professionals with the ability to design and modify complexmedical software without the need for extensive coding knowledge

Moreover, block-based programming plays a crucial role in teaching elementary studentsprogramming and robotics Its visual nature simplifies programming concepts, making themmore accessible to young learners With block-based programming tools, students can engage

in interactive activities that involve designing and programming robots, such as robot arms, toperform specific tasks By dragging and arranging blocks, students can control the robot'smovements, sensor interactions, and logical operations This approach enhances theirunderstanding of programming concepts, problem-solving skills, and computational thinking.Block-based programming is particularly beneficial for elementary students as it provides atangible and interactive learning experience It allows them to see immediate visual feedback

as they assemble blocks, enabling them to understand the cause-and-effect relationships inprogramming This hands-on approach fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking,

as students work together to design and program robot arms for various purposes, such asmedication delivery or healthcare assistance

Additionally, block-based programming promotes interdisciplinary learning by integratingprogramming and robotics with other subjects, including science and mathematics Studentscan explore scientific concepts by conducting experiments with their robot arms andcollecting data using sensor blocks They can analyze the data, draw conclusions, and iterate

on their programs accordingly By connecting programming with real-world applications,students develop a deeper understanding of how technology can be applied to solve practicalproblems

Furthermore, block-based programming enables a smooth transition to text-basedprogramming languages as students progress in their learning journey As they become morecomfortable with the logical structure of programs and problem-solving techniques, they cangradually transition from blocks to writing text-based code This progression prepares them

for advanced programming languages and more complex projects in the future

c Using block-based programming and Python code to control a robotic arm for medical transport using App Ohstemv

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p5SpeechRec.start(); // start listening

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d Robotic arm and two-level gripper

In the context of medical isolation areas, the design of a robotic arm and a two-level gripper

by App OHSTEM holds immense potential for the efficient and safe delivery of medicalsupplies and medication These innovative robotic technologies offer a unique solution toaddress the challenges faced in isolation zones, where direct human contact is limited

The robotic arm serves as a versatile tool that can perform a range of tasks, includingmedication delivery and healthcare assistance Its design incorporates precise and coordinatedmovements, allowing it to navigate through confined spaces and reach designated areas withaccuracy By utilizing the robotic arm, medical professionals can remotely control thedelivery of medication to patients, ensuring timely administration and minimizing the risk ofexposure to infectious diseases

The two-level gripper system enhances the capabilities of the robotic arm by providing asecure and adaptable mechanism for holding medical supplies and medication The gripper'sdesign allows it to grasp and transport items of varying sizes, providing flexibility in handlingdifferent types of medication containers and medical equipment This feature ensures that therobotic arm can accommodate a wide range of medical supplies, promoting efficient andreliable delivery within the isolation area

The integration of block-based programming and Python code enables the precise control andautomation of the robotic arm and gripper system Block-based programming provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of programming and controlling the robot Itallows medical professionals to create logical sequences of commands by dragging anddropping blocks that represent specific actions and movements By utilizing Python code,more advanced functionalities and complex algorithms can be implemented, allowing forintricate control and coordination of the robotic arm and gripper system

The combination of these design elements and programming techniques offers acomprehensive solution for the safe and effective delivery of medical supplies and medication

in isolation areas The robotic arm's agility and accuracy, coupled with the adaptability of the

two-level gripper, enable medical professionals to address the unique challenges faced in suchenvironments Additionally, the integration of block-based programming and Python codeempowers medical professionals with the ability to customize and optimize the robot'sfunctionalities according to specific needs and requirements.

e The design and implementation process of students

Introduction and Training: The project began with an introduction to the concepts ofprogramming, robotics, and the specific application of designing robotic arms for medicationdelivery and healthcare in isolation areas The students received training on the basics ofMicro Python programming and block-based programming tools to familiarize them with theprogramming environment and the capabilities of the robotic arms

Team Formation and Brainstorming: The students were divided into teams of around 5-6members to encourage collaboration and teamwork Each team brainstormed ideas anddiscussed potential designs and functionalities for their robotic arms They considered factors