Professional Development vs Training February 27, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in professional development.Tags: Lego robotics, professional development, training
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I just finished an assignment in a masters course (Masters of Distance Education at Athabasca University) about training teachers to integrate LEGO robotics in the classroom. I used the terms professional development and training interchangeably and I wish I had read this article, “Professional Development vs. Training” by Adam Grey, first.
One of the main complaints I hear from teachers is a lack of effective professional development. I have experienced this myself and when I give f2f sessions in LEGO robotics I try to make it as hands-on as possible. The question I always have at the end of these pd sessions is will it change the practice of teachers in the classroom? I like to think so, and i have received positive feedback that this is the case. Does this qualify as a success? Good question.
What is a Robot? February 25, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in robotics.Tags: robot, robotics, robots, technology
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When I begin teaching the robotics unit in my grade 8 technology course, I like to start with an introduction to the concept of robots. I get students to investigate the question: What is a Robot? I have them read the article How Robots Work on the HowStuffWorks web site. They then answer the following questions:
- What is the definition of a robot?
- List all the parts that you think should go on a robot?
- What are 3 examples of robots used in the world today?
- What makes a robot different then any other machine (eg. dishwasher, calculator, or microwave)?
I finish with having the students control a ROV online and draw their own idea of a robot. I have the whole lesson posted online: Robotics Assignment.
NXT Paper Plane Shooter February 22, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in LEGO, Lego robotics, NXT, plane, robotics.add a comment
How about using the NXT to launch a paper plane. It looks like a plane flying off an aircraft carrier.
For more details head on over the to the nxtasy.org blog.
The Real Life Robotic Arm February 21, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in arm, robotic arm, robotics.add a comment
NXT Step blog posted links to a fascinating story and video about Segway’s (Dean Kamen’s company) efforts to create a robotic arm for disabled people.
Dean Kamen’s ‘Luke Skywalker’ bionic arm
Here is the link to the video report about it on IEEE Spectrum Online:
NXT Competition Idea: Can Grabber February 18, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in Lego robotics, NXT, competition, robotics.add a comment
Here is an idea for a design challenge using NXT robots:
Worth a Look: NXT blogs February 18, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in Lego robotics, NXT, blog, robotics.add a comment
There are a couple of new NXT blogs that look like they are worth a look:
- NXT Central
- TeamNXT
Enjoy!
Strange NXT Robots February 18, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in NXT robots.Tags: bathroom, LEGO, MINSTORMS, NXT, robot
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Some people will build a NXT robot for any purpose. Here is a couple for the bathroom:
Don’t forget the toilet paper dispenser:
NXT Resources February 8, 2008
Posted by tomshepp in Lego robotics, NXT, design, design process, robotics.add a comment
Norm and I held an in-service on NXT robotics today. I mentioned several resources and I wanted to post some further information.
I mentioned the following web sites:
You will find information about the book, Lego Mindstorms Nxt: The Mayan Adventure by James Floyd Kelly on The NXT STEP – LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Blog.
