MAKE LEARNING INTERACTIVE

THE latest developments in science and technology have changed the meaning and concept of education in the 21st century. Education technology has added a new dimension to make the teaching-learning process more effective and lasting. The age-old concept of teaching and learning in the four walls of the schools has also been gradually replaced by information, communication and technology (ICT). The use of robotics in education is yet another educational innovation which can make learning more joyful, purposeful and activity-based. Though robotics has been universally accepted, we have to incorporate the new subject in our curriculum. Of late, there is a lot of research work being done on the use of robotics in education, primarily in the US, Japan and South Korea.

As we know, robots are generally used for industrial automation, military applications, space exploration, medical application, etc., but in the recent years, the trend of using robotics in education has also started. Robotics not only facilitates learning for children but also makes them think rationally and analytically. Robotics is expected to develop new skills among the students to learn basic principles and their application to understand subjects like maths and science. It is further believed that robotics can go a long way in providing adequate opportunities and freedom to showcase their novel ideas.

The recent researches and experimentations in the field of robotics reveal that South Korea is “hiring” hundreds of robots as teacher aides and classroom playmates and is experimenting with robots that would teach English. Dr Ben Robbins, of the UK, remarks that autistic children can play with robots that can smile, frown and laugh. Moreover, robots can also help children express their emotions.

These studies further reveal that the pace of innovation is such that robots have to learn as they teach, so that they become infinitely patient, highly informed instructors that would be effective in subjects like foreign language or in repetitive therapies used to teach developmental problems like autism. In the US, computer scientists are also developing robots that can engage pupils and teachers in simple skills, including household tasks and vocabulary. It seems that robots can do wonders if effectively used in kindergarten, play-way schools and above all, in the newly emerging field of inclusive education.

Going by all the details and emerging needs and aspirations of our pupils at large, it is felt that there is a need to introduce robotics as a subject like other subjects such as computer science, information technology, painting, web designing, etc. The NCERT should introduce robotics in schools keeping in view its relevance and importance. Each state should have a State Robotics Resource Centre to provide necessary training for the teachers and their periodic orientation. The central and state boards of school education should make robotics an integral part of the curriculum at the secondary and senior secondary levels. Students should be given an opportunity to opt for the subject like other subjects. There is also need to appoint and train teachers for robotics, for which the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research and Polytechnics can play a significant role. On the other hand, schools are required to have well-equipped robotic labs for experimentation and achieving expertise. They are expected not only to set up robotics clubs and societies but also organise various competitions to motivate students.

Kind Regards

Gurbinder Sharma

Thanks to Mr. Abhinav Sharma