Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Jason McKenna is a leading voice in educational robotics, with his work centered on making computational thinking and engineering accessible to learners of all ages. As a Senior Educational Developer at VEX Robotics, his primary contributions lie in designing intuitive, multi-modal programming interfaces that bridge the gap between novices and advanced users. His most influential work, "It's as Easy as 123: Multiple Programming Approaches on a Single Device to Support Novices" (2023, 2 citations), introduces the VEX 123 robot, a groundbreaking platform that can be programmed via four distinct methods—from direct button presses for pre-literate children to professional-grade coding. This innovation is further refined in "Coder and Coder Cards: A Novel Tangible Programming Approach for Young Programmers" (2023, 2 citations), where McKenna presents a smartphone-like device that uses physical cards to teach sequencing and logic without screens. His recent "VEX V5 Workcell: Industrial Robotic Arm Model for STEM Education" (2024, 3 citations) extends this philosophy to industrial robotics, providing students with a realistic, hands-on model of automation. By developing tools that support a spectrum of programming abilities, McKenna has empowered educators worldwide to introduce robotics in classrooms from elementary to high school, making him a pivotal figure in modern STEM education.