Robotics have reached a level of sophistication that it is wholly reasonable to start seeing them in a range of environments where they will interact with humans. The classroom is no exception. In fact, remote controlled robots have already been introduced in classrooms in South Korea and Japan. In South Korea robots are used in primary school classrooms to teach English (Learn more about EngKey). Some of these educational robots are remote controlled by teachers operating out of the Philippine Islands. In Japan, there are known instances where teachers have used remote controlled robots to teach courses in classrooms far away from where they live (E.g. Hiroshi Ishiguro). There are a range of tasks that robots can take over in classrooms, ranging from classroom management to engaging students. With the development of other related technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robots can conceivably even become involved in instruction itself.

1. BUILD YOUR LEARNING WITH
ROBOTICS
Man is a robot with defects.
—Emil Cioran
Some
learners have
greater
comfort level
with robot
teacher
ACCESS
Safety
in exploring
dangerous
terrain, allowing
learners field trips
to space,
undersea, etc.
Promote
cultural
Eliminate sensitivity
language
barriers
Offers hospitalized
and specialneeds learners
telepresence
Teleexploration
Ties the three
together
Robots have
limitless
access to
knowledge
Encourage
designbased
learning
Assist with
individualized
learning
paths
INTERACT
This is
your brain.
Applies
consistency
to systems
ADAPT
Better
ability to
track, catalog
learning
Changing
role of
classroom in
social learning
Ultimate
database/
network of
knowledge
This is your brain
on robotic
learning.
CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION: HTTP://LEAPFROG.UMN.EDU/FUTUREOFEDUCATION
ORGANIZED BY THE TECHNOLOGY REDESIGN TASK GROUP
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP, POLICY, AND DEVELOPMENT
Potential
undesirable effects
to account for:
• lack of interpersonal
interaction—learning
from peers
• learning how to work
in hierarchical system
• cost of development
(ROI?)