Bridging Educational Gaps in Panama: AI Coach for WRO

Abstract

Limited funding, technology, and teacher training in Panamanian public schools hinder access to hands-on STEAM education. Supported by FUNDESTEAM, a nonprofit expanding access to robotics education, we developed a low-cost, scalable AI coach to guide students and teachers preparing for the World Robot Olympiad. Grounded in Panama’s educational landscape through archival research, interviews, and ethnographic observation, our proof-of-concept AI provides structured guidance and problem-solving support through adaptive, class-based responses. The modular design allows new features with minimal coding, while knowledge and behavior expansion require none. We recommend future teams enhance the AI’s functionality, deepen its knowledge base, integrate learning science, and test in classrooms