A Curriculum Unit on Programming and Robotics

The Tangible Kindergarten project studies how, when given age-appropriate tools, young children can actively engage in computer programming and robotics in a way that is consistent with developmentally appropriate practice. This research project explores the creation of novel human computer interaction techniques to support learning with technology in early elementary school, with a focus on kindergarten. Since many modern graphical user interfaces are not designed with the developmental needs of such young learners in mind, they are generally ill-suited for use in early elementary school classrooms, especially for computer programming activities. To overcome this problem, this research project has created a tangible-graphical hybrid programming language specifically for young children, the Creative Hybrid Environment for Robotics Programming, or CHERP

Robots that Teach: Developing an Integrated Curriculum for Middle School Math

Keeping middle school students interested in mathematics and motivating them to succeed are challenges that continually present themselves to even the most seasoned teachers. Students will be drawn to mathematics if they are able to connect it to exciting careers. This paper describes a research-based curriculum model for teachers, grant writers, and others interested in incorporating Lego robotics technologies into an existing middle school mathematics curriculum. The model is based on data gathered from a three year research study in which approximately 150 sixth grade students per year and their teachers collaborated with a middle school Math Coordinator, a school Numeracy Coach, and university-level educational technology professors

Different robotics platforms for different teaching needs

When facing the problem of teaching the basis of robot control programming to computer science students, apart from the syllabus of the course, some other requirements have to be taken into account. For instance, which are the most appropriate robotic platforms, and which are the best programming tools for teaching it. In this paper we describe the platforms and programming environments chosen for different senior and graduate robotic courses at Rey Juan Carlos University, focusing on the reasons under our choices. We also point out the practical assignments demanded on the courses. Finally, we will present the results along four years, the feedback from our students, and the lessons we have learne

Utilization of Robotics in Higher Education

The use of technology in the classroom has evolved from the most primitive to the widespread use of personal computers. One of the trends in technological advancements to enter the classroom is the use of robotics. The relationship between robotics and education spans many years. This paper details Papert’s Constructionism theory defining learning as being more effective when students are “constructing” or “doing” activities that are personally meaningful. Research includes assessment of experiences of this method of teaching Information Technology through robotics at such institutions as West Point, Reykjavik University and University of South Florida. Based on the experiences reported at the various institutions, authors conclude with recommendations to Bryant College as the college launches an integration of the utilization of robotic components into the Information Technology curriculum to more effectively introduce students to Information Technology concepts

Teaching Technology Using Educational Robotics

The interest in mathematics, science and technology based courses at both pre-university and tertiary levels have been steadily declining over the past number of years. This is particularly felt in regional areas such as Rockhampton, Queensland (Chiou 2004). To overcome this problem, different strategies have been employed to regain popularity in these areas of studies. Many schemes have been undertaken to implement these strategies. One of more successful and promising strategies attempted by Central Queensland University (CQU) is the utilisation of robotics as an educational tool. However, its implementation cannot be haphazard lest the interest in robotics will quickly diminish as its novelty wears off. Hence, long term planning is required in order to maximise the potential of educational robotics. At the same time, educational robotics should be implemented with great caution as not to cause a reverse effect where it may inadvertently detract students from traditionally based mathematics and science subjects. This paper describes such a project carried out at CQU

Robots in elementary school : some educational, legal and technical aspects

This article focuses on robots in elementary school. The authors present an analysis of a number of educational, legal and technical aspects. The article also includes an overview of literature on robotics in elementary school. In the second part a description is provided of more adequate equipment: LEGO Robotics and the LEGO MINDSTORMS RCX Intelligent Brick and Robotics Invention System, WeDo 2.0, Dash & Dot Pack: 2 companionable robots for teaching robotics to children. Next, the authors discuss selected legal regulations relating to school curricula, for example, proposals put forward by the Council for the Informatization of Education at the Ministry of National Education. One of the sections contains good examples of use of robotics in Polish schools. The position of the course of robotics (including elements of design, construction and programming of robots) in modern teaching in Polish schools is also presented, using as an example the experience of teachers working in Bielsko-Biala (Silesia region). Besides, research results of a study, conducted in Poland and in Ukraine, are discussed. Finally, the authors present their conclusions

SDL Programming of Lego Robots

This report describes the usage of the SDL development tool Telelogic Tau SDL Suite with the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System. The purpose of the project was to produce an alternative to the custom built platform currently used by Telelogic for demonstration and education. The report focuses on the adaption of the C code that is generated by Telelogic Tau SDL Suite to the robot environment using legOS, an open source operating system available for the robot plat-form

E-Learning

Technology development, mainly for telecommunications and computer systems, was a key factor for the interactivity and, thus, for the expansion of e-learning. This book is divided into two parts, presenting some proposals to deal with e-learning challenges, opening up a way of learning about and discussing new methodologies to increase the interaction level of classes and implementing technical tools for helping students to make better use of e-learning resources. In the first part, the reader may find chapters mentioning the required infrastructure for e-learning models and processes, organizational practices, suggestions, implementation of methods for assessing results, and case studies focused on pedagogical aspects that can be applied generically in different environments. The second part is related to tools that can be adopted by users such as graphical tools for engineering, mobile phone networks, and techniques to build robots, among others. Moreover, part two includes some chapters dedicated specifically to e-learning areas like engineering and architecture