NI To Offer High School Edition of LabVIEW for Lego Mindstorms

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 04/28/11

Lego Education and National Instruments will shortly launch an edition of LabVIEW software specifically for high school students to use with Lego robotic products.

LabVIEW for Lego Mindstorms is a teaching tool that helps students control and program Mindstorms NXT robots while also learning the basics of LabVIEW, a graphical programming environment used by scientists and engineers. The upcoming release will be the third product in a line that also includes Lego Education WeDo software for elementary students and Lego Mindstorms Education NXT software for middle school students.

The new software is intended to be used in the classroom. It will include instructional videos, tutorials, and teaching resources specifically for high school students and teachers who are using Lego Mindstorms Education and Tetrix by Pitsco. The lessons introduce concepts such as autonomous robotics and scientific measurements using real-world examples and provide activities for students to get practice.

"My students learn better when they learn by doing," said Tim Jump, director of advanced competitive science at Benilde-St. Margaret's college-preparatory school in St. Louis, MN. "Incorporating the hands-on learning of LabVIEW and Lego robotics into my classroom makes it possible for me to explore and experiment right along with the students. The platform not only makes learning engineering fun, but it makes teaching it fun too." In 2005 the school's entry won a national robotics competition.

"LabVIEW for Lego MINDSTORMS completes the National Instruments and Lego Education 'robotics for all ages' learning platform," said Stephan Turnipseed, president of Lego Education North America. "We now can deliver a framework of age-appropriate, hands-on learning technology and curricula that continuously progress with student skill level and learning objectives, from elementary all the way through university."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • blue AI cloud connected to circuit lines, a server stack, and a shield with a padlock icon

    Report: AI Security Controls Lag Behind Adoption of AI Cloud Services

    According to a recent report from cybersecurity firm Wiz, nearly nine out of 10 organizations are already using AI services in the cloud — but fewer than one in seven have implemented AI-specific security controls.

  • lightbulb

    Call for Speakers Now Open for Tech Tactics in Education: Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation

    The annual virtual conference from the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal will return on Sept. 25, 2025, with a focus on emerging trends in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI implementation, IT leadership, building resilience, and more.