For some unexpected reason, I was completely drawn to all makes and models of robots this year at #ISTE13. I mentioned in a tweet about Sparky from http://sparky.zacharypower.com. Sparky is an awesome student created robot. It is programmed from an Arduino breadboard and it’s guts are scrap cardboard box and wires.
I spoke with the students and the teacher. What I loved is that the teacher designed the experience, while the students designed the learning. Teacher (sorry I do not remember your name) said “If you want to know about the technology or the code, you will have to go talk with them,” while pointing to her students.
After the mention, I go the shout out for other robots I saw that were intriguing.
Here are the other 3 projects I liked.
1. Arts & Bots: This is a Carnegie Mellon, Create Lab project. The team participated in #PitchFest this year at ISTE. They didn’t win, but the project is really awesome for anyone who is loving the idea of wearable technologies or the future marriage of art and technology. GO Check THIS project out. It is probably my favorite!
2. NAO (pronounced “now”): NAO is being used by Teq as a metaphor/or example for teacher professional learning & development (Teq focuses on professional learning in school districts). The big picture point is that much like other technologies, a robot does nothing without being taught. It does nothing without the code. This is a great metaphor for other technologies designed for learning… they are just tools, without that deeper meaning. NAO is dang expensive. Probably beyond most school budgets – but you have to admit, very VERY cool.
3. VEX Robotics Competitions: Next, take your robots to the next level and compete against others. Check out more information about robot competitions. I spent some time talking with these guys… but more importantly gaming with the robots. I won.