Robotics and AI are on the verge of transforming the physical world, driving innovation across industries and redefining problem-solving. As this momentum builds, educators play a key role in preparing the next generation of thinkers and creators.
We’re excited to introduce Viam for Educators, a workshop program designed to equip teachers, mentors, and makers with the skills and confidence to teach robotics and automation using AI.
At Viam, our mission is rooted in inclusivity. These workshops accommodate every type of learner, regardless of education level, technical experience, or career stage. Whether you’re a teacher in a classroom, a mentor in a community center, or a leader in a maker space, Viam for Educators provides the tools to inspire curiosity and foster innovation—not just teaching learners to use technology, but also how to solve real-world problems through critical thinking.
Featured workshops—Free resources to inspire learning
Viam provides workshop facilitators with detailed, easy-to-follow comprehensive lesson plans to make teaching seamless and effective. Each workshop includes:
- Step-by-step guides
- Project plans
- Supplemental teaching materials
- Suggested delivery strategies and operational checklists
Workshops cover a variety of hands-on activities, such as:
- People detection alerts with computer vision: Teach learners how to integrate AI to identify and notify when people are detected.
- Air quality monitoring and filtration: Guide students in building sensors to track air quality and automate filtration.
- Plant watering with moisture sensor and pump: Explore smart irrigation by combining hardware and programming.
From foundational skills like working with sensors and motors to experimenting with advanced AI concepts, Viam’s workshops make automation accessible and engaging for learners of all experience levels.
How to use Viam for Educators and start teaching
Getting started with Viam for Educators is simple and flexible. Follow these steps to bring AI and automation learning into your space.
1. Explore our available workshops
Begin by browsing the workshops available in Viam Codelabs. These projects include step-by-step guides, lesson plans, and practical examples to kickstart your journey.
2. Join our community
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Access operational checklists and troubleshooting guides designed to help you lead workshops confidently.
Join the #educator-workshops channel in the Viam Discord community to connect with other educators, ask questions, and share ideas.
3. Share your insights
Collaborate with others in the community by sharing your feedback, workshop experiences, and suggestions for new concepts or activities you’d like to see in future offerings. For example, if your students are excited about AI for smart homes, suggest Codelabs on projects like a smart fridge that automatically adds items to a shopping list when removed but not replaced.
4. Share your journey with others
We’d love to see what you’ve built! Post a photo of your project on social media, tag us, and share your experience with the community.
5. Repeat and innovate
Continue to explore, create, and inspire. Viam for Educators is an evolving program so be sure to consistently check the Codelabs for new activities.
Host your own Viam workshop today
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, visit Viam Codelabs to access workshop materials and bring the future of learning into your space.
Open the door to explore the exciting intersection of robotics, AI, and the physical world—and watch your students light up with new possibilities!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is included in the workshop resources? Each workshop includes step-by-step guides, project plans, and supplemental teaching materials, as well as suggested delivery plans and operational checklists to help facilitators confidently lead sessions and group discussions.
- Do I need prior experience in robotics or programming to use Viam? Viam resources are beginner-friendly, with clear instructions for varying experience levels. However, facilitators should have a basic understanding of programming and hardware to guide discussions and troubleshoot effectively.
- How do I get additional support to lead a workshop? We provide operational checklists and troubleshooting guides to help you lead workshops with confidence. For further assistance, join our #educator-workshops channel in the Viam Discord community to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others.
- Is there a cost to access these resources? No, the learning materials are free and can be customized for your needs. Educators and learners must provide their own hardware, though most workshops are designed to support hardware sharing. Where applicable, Viam suggests affordable alternatives for parts.
- Can I use Viam resources outside of a classroom setting? Absolutely! Viam workshops are ideal for maker spaces, corporate events, and meetups. Many resources are flexible enough for virtual environments, making them accessible in a variety of settings.
