In the session today we took a little look into the world of robots and computer control. There is this permanent fear in us all (maybe just me!) that robots are, or will soon, one day take over the world. Luckily this session focused on the smaller robots as well as computer control and how it has become a part of our everyday lives.
So, what is this computer control, hmm?
Think of your home, what can you leave to take care of itself? Picture this, you've set a timer to record your favourite programme on Sky+, you get in to the house and it will be nice and toasty because you set the central heating to come on an hour before you get in. You're then going to wander over to the microwave and put a meal on whilst leaving your washing machine to get on with cleansing that day's attire but oh no what is that noise, the burglar alarm is going off because someone tried to break in, but because of your handy sensor placed on the doors they got scared and ran away leaving you in peace.
How many different types of computer controlled technology were in that little anecdote? (The answer is 5 by the way) What I'm trying to highlight though is that controlled technology is all around us and is essentially just a set of instructions programmed into a machine telling it to do what we need.
Where do the robots come into this?
In the session today we got to play with an array of programmable robots. Some more complex than others but all applicable in a classroom. These included:
Have a little click on those links to see what they are!
Myself and Conrad (a fellow in my class) decided to have a little play with the Beebots. We attempted to get our little bee friend to spell out our names and this was my attempt.
Myself and Conrad (a fellow in my class) decided to have a little play with the Beebots. We attempted to get our little bee friend to spell out our names and this was my attempt.
Let it be known this was my second attempt as my little bee buddy decided not to turn correctly on the first turn but this was not my fault. Anyway you can see that I spelt out my name, or nickname if you will, Meg and it worked almost perfectly.
Computer monitoring, what's that?
Well this, my friend, is where the sensors come into it, this is your burglar alarms and motion sensors. In school though you have the following to data log and have a play with:
Clicking some of those links will give you good ideas for activities you could do in class too.
What was my favourite then?
Drumroll...Beebot! What a nifty little device he is. What areas of the curriculum could I use him in? Well, ICT as it aids understanding of programming, Geography, it helps with directions and how about with letters and shapes and spelling in Literacy? It is such a diverse bot that you could use him in a variety of subjects.
My favourite activity we could do with this is to spell your own name. This will help to teach new ICT skills as mentioned above but it will help to aid understanding of directions and spelling, breaking down the phonemes in your name. It is quite the all-rounder!
Key words for using the Beebot will be:
- Forward
- Left
- Right
- Reverse
- Pause
- Clear and
- Go
- Turn
- Turn around
For the more able children they can have obstacles put in their path to make spelling their name more challenging, they could also spell their whole name and limit the mistakes they're allowed to make.
For the less able they could have a starting point for the Beebot and get him to go to the first letter of their name and eventually work their way up to spelling their whole first name when they feel confident. They could also have a smaller simpler grid to write the letters on for the Beebot to navigate around.
This activity can have multiple levels of assessment such as their spelling, their motor skills, their maths skills and ICT. They can track their results in table of how many times they got it right and wrong and how they can improve.
The great thing about the Beebots is that they are completely accessible, you could use them as a whole class activity or in small groups or one-to-one. Once the children get used to them as well you can let them play with them at their own pace. If you have resources set out such a maps or mazes or alphabet mats they can play and experiment and learn when they choose.
Have a little think of all the computer control and monitoring devices you use daily and you'll be amazed at how much we rely on these devices daily!
Miss Lynch over and out!
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