Technology has become an integral part of education, and at the forefront of this transformation is Olebogeng Mangole, a passionate Coding and Robotics Educator. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. From a young girl fascinated by computers to a dedicated educator shaping young minds, Olebogeng’s journey into the world of coding and robotics is nothing short of inspiring.
A Spark Rekindled: The Beginning of a Tech Journey
Olebogeng Mangole’s journey into coding and robotics is a testament to perseverance and passion. From an early age, she had a deep fascination with computers—especially teaching them. However, her path was not straightforward. While pursuing her studies, she faced a setback when subjects like Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) were discontinued at her university. For a time, she thought she had lost her way.
Everything changed during her final year of teaching practice when an opportunity arose to assist a coding and robotics teacher. This experience reignited her passion, opening her eyes to the transformative power of technology in education. “That experience opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of coding and robotics in education,” she recalls. “The spark I had lost was reignited, and I knew this was the space where I wanted to grow and make a lasting impact.”
Determined to deepen her knowledge, Olebogeng enrolled in the University of Johannesburg’s Creative Coding and Robotics for Teachers program. This short learning course provided her with foundational skills in coding and robotics, bridging the gap between her love for technology and her calling as an educator.
Finding Her Niche: The Power of EdTech Tools
As a coding and robotics educator, Olebogeng primarily works with block-based programming tools such as Scratch, CoSpaces, Minecraft Education, and robotics platforms like EV3 Classroom, SPIKE, MakeCode for microbit, and Sphero Edu. These tools make complex coding concepts more accessible, allowing students to engage with technology in a hands-on and interactive way.
“My approach is rooted in progressivism, where students learn by doing,” she explains. “Coding and robotics provide the perfect platform for this because it challenges students to experiment, collaborate, and find solutions through trial and error.”
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity and critical thinking. By integrating these tools into her lessons, she fosters an environment where students feel empowered to take risks, embrace challenges, and develop a growth mindset.
Overcoming Challenges: Innovation in Resource-Limited Environments
Like many educators in the tech space, Olebogeng has faced challenges—one of the most significant being the disparity in access to technology across different schools. Some schools are well-equipped with digital resources, while others struggle with limited access to devices and internet connectivity.
To bridge this gap, she has adopted creative solutions, such as unplugged coding activities and using free digital tools that allow students to engage with computational thinking concepts without needing expensive hardware. Her ability to adapt to different environments ensures that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has an opportunity to develop essential digital skills.
Continuous Learning: Staying Ahead in a Fast-Paced Industry
The tech industry evolves rapidly, and Olebogeng understands the importance of continuous learning. She stays ahead by participating in online courses, attending workshops, and collaborating with other educators in the field.
“Keeping up with the latest trends in educational technology allows me to bring fresh and innovative ideas into the classroom,” she says. “Staying curious and continuously learning has helped me grow as an educator in this field.”
Her dedication to professional development ensures that she remains at the forefront of emerging technologies, preparing her students for a future where digital literacy is crucial.
A Memorable Experience: Volunteering at the First Lego League
One of Olebogeng’s most meaningful experiences has been volunteering at the First Lego League competitions. This initiative allows students to apply their coding and robotics skills in a competitive yet collaborative environment, fostering teamwork and problem-solving.
“Seeing students apply their coding and robotics skills in a competitive yet collaborative environment was inspiring,” she says. “It reinforced the importance of hands-on learning and teamwork in STEM education.”
For Olebogeng, these competitions highlight the transformative power of technology in education, showing students that coding is more than just writing lines of code—it’s about creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
Debunking Myths: Coding Is for Everyone
A common misconception about coding is that it is only for people with a strong background in math or those with innate technical abilities. Olebogeng strongly disagrees.
“Coding is about problem-solving, logic, and creativity—skills that anyone can develop with practice,” she explains. “It’s not about being a genius in math; it’s about thinking critically and being open to learning.”
By making coding and robotics accessible and engaging, she aims to break down these barriers and encourage more students—especially young girls—to explore opportunities in the tech space.
The Future of Tech in Education: What Excites Her Most
Looking ahead, Olebogeng envisions a future where technology plays an even bigger role in education. She believes that advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will revolutionize how students learn.
“What excites me most is the increasing accessibility of technology,” she says. “More students, regardless of their background, will have the opportunity to develop essential digital skills.”
She sees a future where coding and robotics is integrated into school curriculums from an early age, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a digital world.
Words of Wisdom: Advice for Aspiring Educators in Tech
For those just starting in coding and robotics education, Olebogeng offers a few key pieces of advice:
- Start small and be patient. Teaching coding and robotics can seem overwhelming at first, but breaking concepts into manageable steps makes the learning process easier.
- Embrace experimentation. Mistakes are a natural part of learning, and experimenting with different teaching approaches can lead to creative solutions.
- Do your research. With so many online resources available, taking the time to learn and stay updated on the latest educational technology trends is crucial.
- Collaborate and learn from others. Engaging with fellow educators, mentors, and tech professionals can provide valuable insights and new perspectives.
Through her passion for technology and teaching, Olebogeng Mangole is making a profound impact on the next generation of learners. By embracing innovation, fostering creativity, and breaking down barriers in STEM education, she is paving the way for a future where coding and robotics is accessible to all.
About the Expert
Full Name:
Olebogeng Mangole
Occupation & Industry:
Coding and Robotics Educator, Education
Qualifications:
BEd Senior Phase and FET (Visual Arts and Business Studies), University of Pretoria; currently pursuing a BEd Hons in Computer Integrated Education at the same university.
Fun Facts:
Olebogeng has a deep appreciation for smooth jazz and soul music. She also loves singing—despite jokingly admitting that her voice is not quite suited for it!
