Robotics Academy Certified Training for VEX V5 (Onsite)
In this 5-day face-to-face teacher training, you will work with the world leaders in robotics education to learn how to teach programming and STEM using the VEX V5 robotics kit. Educators who plan to use the VEX EXP robotics system in their classrooms are welcome to join this training - almost all concepts and programming learned on the VEX V5 can be directly applied to the VEX EXP.
This training will include hands-on guidance with the VEX AI Vision Sensor—giving educators the skills to teach modern machine vision and robotics concepts like object classification and and AprilTag-based localization using VEX V5 and EXP. Read our blog article for more information.
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This training course offers a range of benefits for teachers and coaches who want to teach robotics and STEM concepts using VEX V5 and EXP robots and the VEXcode C++ programming software. The course is particularly well-suited for teachers and coaches who are new to programming and wish to learn the fundamentals of robot programming as well as the pedagogy associated with CS-STEM concepts. However, experienced teachers with programming and robotics backgrounds will also benefit from the course, especially with its focus on the VEX hardware, hands-on practice in troubleshooting student errors, and integration of STEM concepts.
Educators will learn how to leverage our research-based curricula including Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX V5 in their own classrooms. Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion stating 36 professional development hours in areas including robotics and coding. Teachers and coaches may also complete the included certification exam, and in doing so, become an official Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certified Educator, authorizing them to offer similar rigorous and evidence-based certifications to their students.
Supported Competitions and Programs
Teachers and coaches who support students in robotics competitions, such as the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC), VEX Factory Automation Competition, and Technology Student Association's (TSA) robotics competitions will find the course invaluable for gaining knowledge, techniques, and community. The course offers a practical approach to learning, with a focus on hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises that will help educators better understand the concepts and develop effective teaching strategies. Teachers using Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum are welcome to join and will benefit from a deeper understanding of the programming, computational thinking, pedagogical concepts, robot hardware, and troubleshooting techniques we focus on. The Project Lead the Way teachers we have worked with have found our training to be a highly valuable complement to the PTLW training.
Alignment with Standards
Our courses are aligned to:
- Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Standards
- National Research Council Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Common Core Mathematics Standards (CCSS)
- College Board Computer Science Principles (CSP) Framework
- Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCELA)
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards
- International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Standards
By taking this course, teachers can gain a range of benefits, including customizable learning, networking opportunities, and the chance to earn professional development credits and a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certification. Most importantly, the course empowers teachers to effectively teach robotics and CS-STEM concepts, helping their students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.
Syllabus
Session 1: Set up and System overview
Course Logistics
Robot System Overview
- VEX V5 System Overview
- VEX EXP System Overview
- Updating System Firmware
- VEXcode Overview
Robot Brain Programming
- Print Text to V5 Brain Screen
- Detect V5 Brain Screen Press
- Idle Loops
Program Planning
- Role of Programmer vs. Machine
- Behavior-Based Programming
- Pseudocoding
Robot Movement
- Moving Forward and Backward
- Turning Left and Right
- Turning with the Inertial Sensor
- Arm Control
- Claw Control
Functions
- Basic Functions
- Functions with Parameters
STAR Troubleshooting
- Icebergs
- Sample Problems
Computational Thinking
- Sequential Programming
- Abstraction & Decomposition
Variables
- Storing and Retrieving Data
- Performing Calculations
Sensor-Based Movement
- Sense-Plan-Act
- Loops
- Move until Touch (Bumper Switch)
- Lower Arm until Bumper Press (Bumper Switch)
Computational Thinking
- Data and Information
Remote Control with Built-in Drive Program
Programmed Remote Control
- Robot Movement
- Arm and Claw Control
- If-else Conditional Statements
Operator Assist
- Logical Operators
VEX Robotics Competitions (V5 Only)
- Competition Template
- Competition Testing
Line Tracking (Line Tracking Kit)
- Calculating Thresholds
Move until Near (Distance Sensor)
Move to Color (Optical Sensor)
AI Vision Sensor
- Configuration
- Programming
Computational Thinking
- Algorithms

Requirements
Class attendees use Robotic Academy’s computers, robot kits, curriculum, and programming software during the week. No extra purchases of any hardware or software for this course are necessary.
Tuition Cost - $1,299
Tuition includes 5 days of onsite training and use of Robotic Academy’s computers, robot kits, curriculum, and programming software during the week. You do not need to purchase any hardware or software for this course. Lunch is provided as part of tuition Monday through Thursday.
Upon Completion
- 36 ACT 48 credits for Pennsylvania teachers
- Opportunity to earn a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certification stating 36 hours of professional development
- A Certificate of Completion that may also be used to apply for Continuing Education hours
Policies
1. Eligibility
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Courses are open to individuals 18 years of age or older who are educators, coaches, or professionals.
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International enrollment is subject to applicable U.S. export control laws and may be restricted where prohibited.
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CMRA reserves the right to verify eligibility and decline enrollment or remove participants who provide false information or violate these policies.
2. Registration & Payment
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Each registration is valid for one participant only.
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Course materials, recordings, and login credentials are non-transferable. Other educators from the same school or organization must register separately to gain access.
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Registrants must provide accurate, current information during registration.
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Payment may be made via credit card or institutional purchase order. Contact cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu for purchase order arrangements.
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Payments processed through the CMRA online store are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee, deducted from any applicable refund.
3. Refund Policy
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Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu .
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Requests made at least 14 calendar days prior to the class start date will receive a refund, minus the 3% processing fee.
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No refunds will be issued once:
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A class is full, or
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The request is made within 14 calendar days of the class start date.
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4. Course Cancellation or Changes
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CMRA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to low enrollment, instructor availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.
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If a course is canceled, registrants will be offered:
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A full refund (minus applicable processing fees), or
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The option to transfer to a future session. Participants who choose to transfer to a future session waive their right to request a refund for that registration.
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Instructors, schedules, and course content are subject to change.
5. Health Policy for In-Person Trainings
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Participants should not attend onsite training if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness.
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CMRA will make every effort to provide:
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Substitute online access to training materials, or
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Placement in a future training cohort (if available) at no additional cost, provided advance notice is given where possible.
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6. Technology Requirements (Online Courses)
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Participants are responsible for having:
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A reliable computer and stable internet connection,
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A modern web browser, and
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Any required hardware and software specified in the course description.
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Internet access and bandwidth costs are the responsibility of the participant. CMRA is not liable for disruptions caused by a participant’s technical limitations or network issues.
7. Course Materials & Copyright
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All course materials are the intellectual property of CMRA. Unauthorized sharing, duplication, or redistribution of course materials is prohibited.
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Materials are provided for personal, non-commercial use only by the registered participant.
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Printing or downloading materials is allowed solely for participation in the course or for approved instructional use as outlined by CMRA.
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Recordings and course presentations are hosted for up to one year after course completion. Participants are responsible for downloading any materials they wish to keep long-term.
8. Code of Conduct
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Participants must treat instructors and peers with professionalism and respect.
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Harassment, discriminatory behavior, or academic dishonesty will result in immediate removal from the course without refund.
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Unauthorized access or distribution of course materials is grounds for removal and potential denial of future registration.
9. Accessibility and Accommodations
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CMRA is committed to providing inclusive learning opportunities.
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Requests for accommodations must be submitted in writing to cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu at least one month before the course begins.
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Services may be modified or withdrawn if participants fail to engage or participate as required for delivery of accommodations.
10. Privacy and Data Use
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Personal information (such as name, mailing address, or email) provided during registration is used only to administer courses, respond to inquiries, and provide CMRA updates.
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In online chat areas, participants should be aware that their username or email may be visible to others.
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CMRA will not share personal data with third parties except as required by law or legal process.
11. Coursework Use
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CMRA may use coursework produced by students to advance its educational mission or for research purposes.
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When this occurs, participants will be given the option to have their name credited to the material.
12. Certification and Completion
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Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of all course requirements, including:
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Completion of all required assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor, and
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Passing the certification exam, where applicable.
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Certificates are issued digitally and are not equivalent to CMU academic credit, unless explicitly stated.
13. Indemnification
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Participants agree to indemnify and hold CMRA harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from their participation in the course, including infringement of third-party rights.
14. Limitation of Liability
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All services and materials are provided “as is.”
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CMRA is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages related to course participation.
15. Policy Revisions
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Policies are subject to change.
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The most current version will always be made available on the CMRA registration site or learning platform.
Contact
For questions or clarification, please email cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu.