We know, we know. There's always talk about the latest and greatest inventions and discoveries that will truly revolutionize the technology world and the small number of them that actually do. This one, however, might just do it. Check out the human-like robot created by engineers at MIT and let us know if you think it could change the robotics landscape!
Human-Like Robot Created
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reportedly have created a new robot in their labs and apparently, it slightly resembles a real person. Engineers at the university recently revealed the interface they have constructed, which allows a human programmer to interact with a humanoid robot, allowing it to learn and eventually mimic subtle human-like reflexes and nuances. It works in conjunction with a paired human being—something most of us have seen before. The human controller syncs itself with the bot and when he raises an arm, the robot does the same—only much more similarly than previous models have been capable of doing.
So far, the bot is able to stay balanced on its own and perform some basic tasks, but the hope is to eventually develop it to be able to execute orders that are more intricate in nature, such as resolving a threat when it is too dangerous to send in a human. As of now, this robot can pour itself a cup of coffee, use a hand drill for minor construction projects and crush a can (to help promote the importance of recycling, we’re guessing).
Think about it: if you have to get a project done and only have your own two hands with which to work, having a robot to help you out doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Nailing in boards could take half the time or demolishing an old shed could be done twice as fast! Combine it with tech tools like Arduino or Raspberry Pi and you could be all set to create any helpful gadget you want! All right, it might not be at the stage where it could significantly help with your labor, but it is cool to think about. Someday, someday…
What Makes A School Cutting-Edge In 2015
Keeping up with the times is something we all try to do and, for educators, that task is almost as challenging as it is exciting. With new advances in learning tools appearing regularly and pressure from parents as well as students to integrate technology into the school day, it’s not easy finding the best resources to help stimulate a love for learning in children. It helps, however, to know what they should be focusing on and what they can maybe leave behind. The goal is preparing youngsters for life in the 21st century and there are certain things that all modern schools should feature.
Schools should constantly be looking for ways to become more efficient and innovative because that’s what their students will be expected to do in the future. This starts with training teachers to be both creative and resourceful. There are thousands of online resources that promote technology use and creativity in students and teachers need to keep their eyes out for anything they can turn into a teaching tool. EdTech tools like the Makey Makey, littleBits, or Arduino not only make learning more fun, they make learning much more meaningful. Any classroom that features tools like this introduced by passionate teachers is definitely heading in the right direction. These tools truly supplement learning by engaging children in hands-on activities. When kids are engaged, they retain information much more effectively and are able to apply it a whole lot better.
By incorporating these fun learning tools in class, teachers are able to encourage students to arrive at innovative solutions not through pressure-packed exams, but rather by collaboratively teaming up to brainstorm through play. Teachers are often amazed at how easily students learn when they don’t consider their curriculum to be work. Instead of staring at a whiteboard all day, kids tend to learn much more effectively when their brains are stimulated with physical activity. If teachers can effectively use valuable EdTech tools to get kids to learn in new ways (while they think they’re just playing), that’s an innovative classroom and that’s what it will take to properly prepare today’s children for hands-on careers.
BYOD Improved By Nixing Standardization?
With many educators (and parents) desiring a shift from across-the-board standardization in education, there seems to be a possible tech-related solution set to emerge. Not only do BYOD (bring your own device) initiatives promote using technology for educational purposes, if rolled out properly, it can also help differentiate learning among students in the same room. Engaging learners through something they find to be fun rather than work may be a groundbreaking way to boost their success and is definitely worth a shot!
In traditional 1:1 programs, schools or districts purchase devices (such as iPads) for every student in a classroom. So, every student has the exact same tool with which to learn. What’s the problem with that? Well, for starters, not every student learns in the same way. An iPad may be a hindrance or a distraction for Joey while it may be just the tech tool that Amy needs. Different children learn in different ways. Isn’t providing each and every student with the same technology tool almost the same thing as lecturing to them while they’re all blankly staring at the same outdated textbook?
In real life, people have choices. School—even at the elementary level—could be the same. There are options for kids nowadays—options that whether they are tech-related or not—help certain people learn better. Sure, iPads and Chromebooks are extremely useful and powerful educational tools—to most people. Some might prefer a textbook, however, or maybe a smaller mobile device that they can scroll through more quickly. Just remember that simply giving everyone an iPad for the school year may not be the best way to help them learn.
How to Make eLearning Personal
In an effort to continue learning that personally caters to each individual student and the ways in which they learn best, a lot has been made about instruction in the classroom. What’s often overlooked, however, is how these personalization models can continue remotely outside of school. Nowadays, students are often given online assignments to complete at home, but, again, it’s a standard assignment for everyone. If teachers think it’s a good idea to personalize learning in the classroom, it may be equally beneficial to promote personalized eLearning at home as a supplement as well.
Each student will have their own set of natural expectations when they begin their assignments. The trick is to try to cater to those expectations as closely as possible to optimize learning for everyone. Make sure that the exercises are designed with each student in mind, make necessary minor tweaks and you’ll be golden. Also, keep in mind that each student is most likely using a different device to access the assignment, whether that’s a laptop, desktop or tablet. By catering to the specific devices they are using, their eLearning experiences are optimized. Just make sure that the eLearning course is compatible with the wide range of devices students use and modify the content accordingly.
A third helpful hint is to include real images in the content as that often helps learners feel more connected to the material. This helps students create an improved perception of what’s in front of them, enhancing its meaning at the same time. For step-by-step guides, this can be especially helpful and students who learn best by seeing things laid out in a clear and concise manner will definitely be appreciative. Finally, make sure all text and self-created audio is conversational in tone to better engage children. The tone of voice they hear as well as the language can either encourage or discourage them and greatly affect the results of the exercise. What are you waiting for? Give it a try!
Tech Use in Children Becoming Less Harmful
Technology, as we can hopefully all agree, is an exponentially useful tool for building 21st century students that will go on to be ready for 21st century jobs. By learning modern skills and techniques using EdTech routinely in school, today’s children become much better equipped to succeed in the future. Bringing tech products, such as tablets and notebooks, into classrooms, however, has been met with resistance by some traditional parents and teachers. What some studies have been revealing, however, indicates that there is no detrimental effect on students when it comes to using technology to develop their skills in and out of class.
Beyond the classroom, technology is a way for not only teenagers, but everyone, to stay in touch with all the important people in their life, whether that’s family or business colleagues. Most people know how to use the technology they have properly and past concerns about safety are not as prevalent. Child tech use has been linked to everything from depression and anxiety to ADHD and decline in social skills. In reality, however, technology tools are capable of doing the opposite. They can build relationships, not destroy them. Even in the classroom, EdTech tools are able to bring different classes and schools together to create lasting collaboration and using technology in this way doesn’t send kids into an emotional spiral.
Technology today, particularly social media, has undergone a lot of significant improvements since its inception in the mid-2000s, making it much safer for kids to use. The same goes for online gaming as it has incorporated a social nature, resulting in limiting long bouts of isolation for users. Technology access has helped create and maintain a sense of community and, in many cases, resulted in improved relationships. In fact, there’s evidence to support that technology and social media actually improve teen relationships. While there is certainly room for technology in our classroom’s today, it’s the tech at home—the gaming and the social networking—that might be just as important in developing children into 21st century citizens.