On August 13th, the Qubit Bot robotics team had the privilege of hosting a virtual outreach event featuring Jeff Cole, a former FIRST LEGO League (FLL) coach and a current FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) coach for a middle school team. This event, organized by team member Harper, offered valuable insights into the complexities of coaching a robotics team and provided our team with actionable strategies to enhance our preparation for the upcoming FTC season.
About the Speaker: Jeff Cole
Jeff Cole's journey to becoming an FTC coach is as diverse as it is inspiring. With a background that spans music, law, and engineering, Jeff’s multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. From dropping out of an Electrical Engineering degree to pursue a career in music, to running a record label, becoming a lawyer, and ultimately returning to engineering, Jeff’s unique experiences have shaped his perspective on robotics and education.
His transition into coaching robotics began when his sons joined a robotics team during their middle school years. With no available mentors, Jeff and his wife stepped in to coach, and he has been involved in the program ever since.
Key Takeaways from the Outreach Event
During the event, Jeff shared several key insights that resonated with the Qubit Bot team:
The Power of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Jeff highlighted how his diverse background in music, law, and engineering has influenced his coaching style. He explained that problem-solving, whether in music or robotics, involves recognizing and creating patterns. This universal skill is something he strives to impart to his students, teaching them that problem-solving extends beyond any single discipline.
Challenges in Coaching
One of the most significant challenges Jeff faces as a coach is relating to the students and understanding their perspective. The generational gap can make it difficult to connect, but Jeff emphasizes the importance of patience and breaking down complex problems into manageable sub-problems. This approach helps students build confidence and gradually develop their problem-solving abilities.
Encouraging Independent Thinking
Jeff believes in empowering students to take ownership of their projects. Instead of providing direct solutions, he facilitates discussions and encourages students to explore different ideas. This hands-on, exploratory approach allows students to learn from their mistakes, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
The Importance of Teamwork and Communication
Jeff’s coaching philosophy places a strong emphasis on teamwork and effective communication. He often allows his team to vote on which solutions to pursue, ensuring that every member has a voice. This democratic approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also teaches the importance of collaboration and compromise in achieving a common goal.
Learning from Other Teams
Jeff advised the Qubit Bot team to watch videos of other FTC robots and matches to understand what works well and why. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of other teams’ designs, our team can identify innovative ideas and potential improvements for our own robot.
Soft Skills Matter
Jeff emphasized the importance of developing soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, within the team. He shared how these skills are crucial for the success of any robotics project, as they enable team members to work together effectively, make decisions collaboratively, and overcome obstacles.
Pre-Planning and Exploration
Before diving into building, Jeff encouraged the team to thoroughly explore different goBilda parts and understand how they function. This pre-planning stage is crucial for designing a robot that is not only functional but also efficient and innovative.
Applying These Learnings to the Upcoming Season
The insights gained from this outreach event will undoubtedly shape our approach as we prepare for the upcoming FTC season. Jeff’s emphasis on independent thinking and teamwork aligns perfectly with our team’s goals of fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. We plan to:
Encourage Exploration
We will continue using our control bot as a platform for experimenting with new technologies and techniques. By allowing team members to take ownership of their ideas, we aim to cultivate creativity and enhance our problem-solving skills.
Focus on Soft Skills
As we develop our robot, we will prioritize clear and effective communication within the team. By promoting collaboration and ensuring that every member’s voice is heard, we can build a stronger, more cohesive unit.
Learn from Others
We will follow Jeff’s advice by studying other teams’ designs and strategies. This will not only help us identify potential improvements for our robot but also inspire us to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
Conclusion
The outreach event with Jeff Cole provided the Qubit Bot team with invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of robotics coaching. By focusing on developing soft skills, fostering independent thinking, and learning from other teams, we can enhance our collaborative efforts and technical prowess. As we apply these learnings, we are excited to see how they will enhance our team’s performance and help us achieve our goals.
Moreover, Jeff's advice on pre-planning and exploring various components before building will be invaluable as the team works on incorporating new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, into our robot. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach and staying open to learning from different sources, the Qubit Bot team is well-positioned to innovate and excel in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the outreach event with Jeff Cole was a profound learning experience that not only highlighted the technical challenges of robotics but also underscored the importance of soft skills and strategic thinking. As the Qubit Bot team moves forward, these lessons will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping our journey and success in the world of robotics.
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