So of course I played with robots this during my first academic year as a Ph.D. student. In the Fall 2018 semester, I had the opportunity to serve as a guest discussant for robotics! I prepared and delivered an introduction to educational robotics to an all-female class of pre-service teachers studying CRIN E09 – Designs for Technology-Enhanced Learning (Elementary) instructed by Dr. April Lawrence.
Educational robotics was the focus of my “passion project” for EPPL 611 – Theories of Curriculum instructed by Dr. Chris Gareis in Fall 2018. This paper presented a critical analysis of current literature on educational robotics through the lens of curriculum. I explored the implications of educational robotics on curriculum design, development, implementation and evaluation in the future.
Immediately after my presentation, I was approached by a peer and asked to assist with an outreach project through the STEM Education Alliance. I joined the team and designed an inquiry-based activity investigating pi using the Ozobot. I implemented the activity during the Pi Day festivities at Bayside High School on February 27-28.
Included in my hands-on robotics demonstration for CRIN E09 was the Sphero SPRK+ robot (borrowed courtesy of the STEM Education Alliance). One of the pre-service teachers in that session was so excited that she mentioned the robot to her Cooperating Teacher who obtained a class set of Sphero BOLT robots! The pre-service teacher asked for my assistance in helping to integrate the robots into her student teaching this semester, and I happily agreed to help her.
I created a Technology Integration Unit, including an Introduction to the Sphero lesson plan, and two subject-specific lesson plans that successfully integrated the Sphero in service of students’ curriculum-based learning needs. I provided her with detailed lesson plans, presentations, sample programs, guidance regarding resources and assistance with preparing the robots for use in the classroom to overcome any perceived barriers. The lessons were successfully delivered during the month of April 2019.
This project culminated with the presentation of a digital poster at the 2019 Teaching & Learning Symposium at SWEM library. I loved showing off the robot, but more importantly, this project showcases the potential for more doctoral/masters or graduate/undergraduate partnerships. I enjoyed serving in a consulting role for novice undergraduate and graduate teachers. These type of academic partnerships have immense traction as an approach in higher education.
It was a good year for robots!