The Edvocate: How to Help Teachers Conquer Their Fear of Robots
This article, from Steve Coxon from Maryville University, describes 3 ways to remove the fear of using robotics, including KIBO, with young learners:
1) Student-Included Professional Development (SIPD)
2) Using Expert Coaches In Class
3) Alleviating Common Fears
Steve describes:
“Teachers are also often afraid that they don’t know everything for which the robot can be programmed. I’ve been working with robotics for 15 years, and I don’t know all of the things they can do, either. It’s helpful for teachers to think about programming the robots less like solving an equation and more like creative writing. I can find the answer to almost any equation, but I never know what a student will dream of writing. There are unlimited possibilities.
PD doesn’t have to be a pain. SIPD and coaching can improve teacher quality and student learning. Teachers have no need to fear robotics, and these methods help them see a pathway to success.”
See the full article.
