In the beginning there was light and an idea…but who could imagine years later we would end up using advanced communication systems and having intelligent technology occupying most parts of our life? Technological evolution occurs at rates we can hardly cooperate with; and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks and Artificial Life aren’t part of the movies anymore.
Facing such a change, future-proof and more efficient educational systems are necessary for our kids, against the challenges of tomorrow’s complex world.
Robotixlab is an experimental learning robotics workshop, an innovative educational concept based on the premise that people can’t be given knowledge. Rather they must actively build it through personal friction and experience with the particular field. Based on the theory of Constructionism (as opposed to instructionism, the dominant method of learning in schools today, where the students passively receive information and knowledge from their teachers), by Dr. S. Papert (MIT, 1990), Robotixlab is merging high technology together with human’s natural characteristics such as curiosity, creativity, experimentation and imagination to acquire knowledge. It is an evolutionary way to involve humans with technology and help them gain deep understanding in science and engineering issues while developing important interpersonal skills, through the exciting world of Robotics.
Robotixlab workshops are hands on activities where participants have to design and implement intelligent robotic systems, using the LEGO Mindstorms NXT System, guided by trained experts, They take place in specially equipped environments, following a non conventional learning philosophy, structured by educators, psychologists and engineers.
During the workshop, participants have to solve a scenario-based problem by designing, building and programming an Intelligent Robotic System out of Lego gears, sensors, motors, wheels and other bricks.
From robots that run in a desert rally, to robots that can compete Picasso in painting and from robots that participate in a Space Mission to robots that help with recycling in order to save the planet, imagination is the only limit to what one can build.
Such a task needs a strong team, so ice breaking and team building exercises take place to lead the group into a successful brainstorming session. Each team member is assigned with a particular rle ranging from project manager, to research engineer and from software developer to system designer. Standard practices are followed like problem analysis, brainstorming, solutions evaluation, background research, project documentation, technical reports writing and oral presentations, while there is no right or wrong opinion or idea. Everybody is encouraged to contribute !!!
At the end, after testing and fine-tuning the system, the robot competes against other robots in the arena where adrenaline gets to the maximum!!!
The “expert” is helping but not leading each team and sets the scenario-based themes. The “expert” is only there to answer queries, give small hints, solve procedural problems and challenge the participant’s minds.
The Experimental Learning Robotics Workshop has been developed for:
· Girls and Boys aged 10 years and up
· Families
· School Groups
· Youth Clubs
· Company events (Product Promotion, Team Building Events)
Similar Learning Techniques have been extensively used in the US, Asia and Western Europe for the past 5-10 years and statistical research show an exponential growth of interest in subjects related to science and technology. Also, there is a vast improvement in traditionally “difficult” subjects like maths and physics, while for most of the participants, communications and problem solving skills enhancement was observed.
The experimental learning robotics workshop is organised in Thessaloniki by www.robotixlab.com. If you are interested contact us at info@robotixlab.com