Meet Melanie Kroukamp our Innovation Ambassador, and EdTech Champion from Curro Academy Pretoria. Let’s hear from Melanie: “Technology isn’t just a tool in my classroom—it’s a gateway to creativity and problem-solving. We embrace mistakes as opportunities to innovate, empowering students to explore, experiment, and discover the endless possibilities technology offers in education.”

What inspired you to specialize in the tech industry? I have been a Grade 1 teacher for almost 20 years – guiding
little minds through the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. But then, about three years ago, I started feeling
the itch for something new, something different. That’s when I decided to dive headfirst into the world of Coding and
Robotics.

What educational background does one need to teach robotics? To teach robotics, one doesn’t necessarily need a specific educational background in the fi eld. In my case, I didn’t have any formal training in robotics. Instead, what proved
invaluable was my willingness to embrace challenges and think creatively. By thinking outside the box and being
creative, I was able to effectively implement coding and robotics in our educational setting. Through perseverance
and a can-do attitude, we’ve shown that anyone with the drive and passion can successfully teach robotics, regardless of their educational background.

Why do you feel it’s important to expose our learners at a young age to coding? Exposing learners to coding at a young age is crucial because it opens up a world of creativity and problem-solving. By introducing coding and robotics early on, we empower students to embrace their mistakes as opportunities for growth and innovation. They learn to experiment, explore,
and discover the endless possibilities that coding offers. By starting early, we give our learners a solid foundation in these
skills, preparing them for future success in any field they choose to pursue.

Can you share any success stories or memorable moments from your experience teaching Robotics?
Every day in the world of coding and robotics brings its own success stories and memorable moments. One of the most
rewarding aspects of teaching robotics is seeing the sheer determination and resilience of my students. There have been
countless instances where they faced challenges, encountered failures, but instead of giving up, they persevered.

How do you feel about being chosen as Innovation Ambassador, and EdTech Champion? I feel incredibly honoured to be chosen as the Innovation Ambassador. My willingness to challenge the curriculum and ask unconventional questions may have played a role in their decision. It’s a privilege to represent Resolute in this capacity.

What do you hope to achieve in your tenure as Innovation Ambassador, and EdTech Champion? As the Innovation Ambassador and EdTech Champion, my goal is to inspire a culture of innovation and embrace technology in education. I hope to foster collaboration among educators, share best practices, and empower students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Together, we can harness the power of innovation to transform teaching and learning experiences for the better.