Educational Origami

Here are a selection of interesting articles on education, technology and digital citizenship:

New Zealand Herald

Defence force highlights social network dangers – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10870096 – This is a Digital citizenship basic concept, look after yourself by not posting information that can potentially put you at risk. For these guys it could be life and limb at risk

Dotcom’s shut down good for studios – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10870142 This another DC related post, this time for respecting and protecting intellectual property. The big studios are reporting they are better off now Dotocom’s Megaupload is Mega closed.

New MOE figures show its true – Kids struggling at maths – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10870138 – Basic arthimatic skills are suffering. This is a bit of a powder keg, but its actually very healthy to take a critical eye and look at what we do. We expect our kids to be reflective, we need to model this.

BBC News

US state (south Dakota) to arm teachers – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21722377 This is sad. This isn’t how you fix a problem, by introducing more of the problem into the system. The answer isn’t peace through superior firepower.

Web based brain for robots goes live - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21714191 - This is both cool and alarming at the same time. The opening paragraph explains it

” Robots confused about what they encounter in the world of humans can now get help online. European scientists have turned on the first part of a web-based database of information to help them cope. Called Rapyuta, the online “brain” describes objects robots have met and can also carry out complicated computation on behalf of a robot.”

I will keep this in mind next time I encounter a robot on the street.

Stuff

Your new boss is a robot – http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/8399881/Your-new-boss-is-a-robot  – This robot being developed by MIT is learning to run a factory and give orders to artifical co-workers – this is an interesting topic and links with the interesting BBC article abot the web based brain for robots

3D printing revolution: Rethinking form – http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/8394655/3D-printing-revolution-Rethinking-form  – Fascinating article and the example of use are amazing – 3D printing is becoming affordable for the classroom and schools. This is a trend to watch.

One NEWS

News Corp unveils new tablet for schools – http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/corp-unveils-new-tablet-schools-5362867 – Interesting – an android powered tablet for schools, particularly secondary schools. “digital innovation to transform teaching and learning” hum

3 News

Beer Goggles to raise awareness of drink-driving – http://www.3news.co.nz/Beer-goggles-to-raise-awareness-of-drink-driving/tabid/423/articleID/289563/Default.aspx – This a driver education tactic by Auckland transport. I like it and its worth doing. I use a similar concept with my senior IT students when we are looking at accessibility and disability with computers – earplugs, glasses, think gloves you name it we try it.

Here are a couple of useful links that I have come across recently.

1. Educause  - 7 things you should know - http://www.educause.edu/

There are two recent updates in this useful series. The first is collaborative learning spaces and the second infographics tools. We are seeing across education a shift towards learning happening not just in the classroom but beyond. Collaborative learning spaces are useful tools that allow a common point for the learners to link to.

• http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-collaborative-learning-spaces
• http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-infographic-creation-tools

2. The commoncraft show - http://www.commoncraft.com

This is one of my favourite sites and I am happy to pay the annual membership to get access to these resources. You can access this site for free and view the videos by going to http://www.commoncraft.com. There are three things that are worth highlighting on this site at the moment:

• http://www.commoncraft.com/blog  - this blog has a number of very useful tips and posts about constructing your own explanation videos – its good reading
• http://www.commoncraft.com/new-video-credit-card-responsibility-0 This is an appropriate video that would be useful in the social sciences and economics as well as at home. Credit card responcibility
• http://www.commoncraft.com/new-video-email-access-explained-common-craft This is in the tech series and is useful resource

3.  Robotics articles in the news

Robotics has recieved a little bit of press recently and here are some useful articles from my twitter feed (@achurches)

• When are we going to learn to trust robots - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21623892
• Robot warriors: Lethal machines coming of age - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21576376
• BigDog four-legged robot now sports throwing arm http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21630212
• Police use drones to catch criminals - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10868674

Source: BBC website - http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57818000/jpg/_57818371_cubetoys.jpg

Can you imagine how your classroom would be changed if the students could make the models and products they design there and then in the classroom? I am not just talking about a design or technology classroom. Consider the science classroom as the students are constructing models of molecules, protiens or strings of RNA or DNA. Or the art suite where digital sculpture becomes real, the biomechanics class in physical education. The humanities class where designing a game to show understanding of ancient civilizations takes a new dimension of representation. The potential is endless, but I unreachable.

Well, that no longer seems to be true. CES 2012, the consumer electronics show has affordable 3D printers. In a BBC news article they have detailed affordable and easy to use 3D printers.

Affordable? Under US$2000. This is not affordable as in every classroom has one, but it does make 3D printing something that its within the reach of most schools. And the benefits/learning outcomes are huge.

Here are a list of the sites mentioned in the article:

Base article 3D printer makers rival visions of the future – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16503443

TinkerCad – Online free 3D modeling tool - http://tinkercad.com/

Thingiverse – sharing digital designs - http://www.thingiverse.com/

Cubify – makers of the Cube - http://cubify.com/cube/index.aspx

3D Systems – makers of personal and professional 3D systems - http://www.3dsystems.com/personal-3d-printers

Google Sketchup – 3D modeling software - http://sketchup.google.com/

FabLab Model Maker – paper based model maker - http://www.aspexsoftware.com/download_modelmaker.htm

I have just read a very interesting article from the BBC called “Ready for the robot revolution?”
The article itself is very interesting and a great starting point for discussion in class but two aspects were worth discussion.
The first involves Azimov’s 3 Laws of Robotics – this is a standard and one I make use of in class
Isaac Asimov, outlined ‘Three Laws of Robotics’ in a novel featuring human-like robots. The rules were designed to protect people from harm.

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

It is idealistic and interesting and has been the cause of many heated discussions in class.

However, the article also present this ethical code as well
“The UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, together with the Arts and Humanities Research Council, has drafted a set of ethical principles for robot design – which can be summarised as follows:

1. Robots should not be designed solely or primarily to kill or harm humans.
2. Humans, not robots, are responsible agents. Robots are tools designed to achieve human goals.
3. Robots should be designed in ways that assure their safety and security.
4. Robots are artefacts; they should not be designed to exploit vulnerable users by evoking an emotional response or dependency. It should always be possible to tell a robot from a human.
5. It should always be possible to find out who is legally responsible for a robot.”
source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15146053

Here is the website – http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ourportfolio/themes/engineering/activities/Pages/principlesofrobotics.aspx

The second aspect of interest for me is the potential conflicts we see. Robots have long been used in manufactoring. While initially this caused much concern, who now hears about this? Are we going to see the same concerns expressed for domestic and commercial robots and will this to fade?

Here are a selection on websites I have stumbled across from various blogs and searches.

1. Clickable Mummy: http://www.akhet.co.uk/clikmumm.htm Interested in mummies an interactive site they can learn about the process of mummification. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
2. 50 States: http://www.50states.com/ Learning geography can be a little more interactive with this site that lists tons of facts about each of the states. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
3. Maps.com: http://www.maps.com/funfacts.aspx?nav Not only can you find regular old maps here to use in class, students can also engage with map games to make learning a little more fun. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
4. CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ From maps to flags, this site will help kids learn about every country in the world. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
5. EyeWitness to History: http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/ Get a more personal perspective on history through this site that engages kids with first-hand accounts of historical events, photos, audio and more. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
6. Countries of the World: http://www.theodora.com/wfb/abc_world_fact_book.html Use this site to find out information about countries around the world from studies done by the U.S. government. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
7. Visible Earth: http://www.visibleearth.nasa.gov/ Take advantage of these NASA images to show kids what the world looks like from an elevated perspective. They’ll be able to see a wide range of geographic features. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
8. Today in History: http://www.scopesys.com/anyday/ Put in any day in the year and find out what major events happened on it through this helpful tool. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
9. The History Beat: http://history.searchbeat.com/ Need a timeline? This site is chock full of them. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
10. LOC American Memory: http://memory.loc.gov/ This site is loaded with photos, primary documents, audio clips and in-depth information that can be a valuable tool to helping students understand American history. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
11. History Games and Animations: http://www.besthistorysites.net/Multimedia.shtml Check out this list of resources to find tools that will help you teach your students about everything historical from ancient times to the present day. Source: http://www.freetech4teachers.com
12. ABCya http://abcya.com/ this is a site filled with interesting sites and resources for primary students and teachers.
13. the ebook store – http://ebookstore.sony.com/download/ Download sony ebook software available in mac and pc formats.
14. Pew Internet article on the threat of autonomous machines - http://www.pewinternet.org/Media-Mentions/2009/Machines-in-control.aspx
15. Great quotes about learning and change – http://www.flickr.com/groups/858082@N25/pool/ this is a Flickr pool from some great contributors Like Scott McLeod, Will Richardson, Dean Shareski and more

Part of the IB ITGS course is examining the role of AI, Robotics and Autonomous system.

Students are asked to engage in discussion and debate about the social and ethical issues arrising from these technologies and  there impact on society. Here are two great articles for starting this debate.

1. Autonomous tech ‘requires debate’
By Jason Palmer
Science and technology reporter, BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8210477.stm

2. Call for debate on killer robots
By Jason Palmer
Science and technology reporter, BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8182003.stm

The increased development of robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence is continuing and proceeding unchecked. We already have the use of robots in warfare, the home, hospitals, pharmacies, warehouses, industry, space, security and so more. Robotics and Ai have increased well beyond the realms of Azimov’s “I, robot” but his three laws of robotics

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Laws_of_Robotics

Source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/photos/steel_2.jpg

Resources:

http://www.govexec.com/pdfs/072309kp1.pdf

Well the first workshop of the week has gone well. It wasn’t huge but that made for much better interactions and I suspect better learning.

The first workshop was in Rotorua and was an introduction to robotics using the Lego NXT robots and mindstorms software.This was a full hands on play session, we had food provided from Toshiba, and they did not even stop – just grabbed a bit to eat on the run and back to playing with their robots.

The more time I spend using robots the more value I see in the potential for project based learning. As the teachers and I worked through the 5 activities (see the starter sheets http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/robotics+resources ).

The discussions about mathematics, science, physics, problem solving were pleasing and insightful. Teachers and students alike enjoy working in a project based environment. For the students, the ability to problem solve their way through problems gives them ownership of the knowledge, and for the teacher the carefully scaffolded exercises allow the teacher facilitate learning, extend and challenge the accelerants and support those who struggle. Using the accellerants, those who quickly grasp the concepts and processses, allow opportunity for them to have a leadership and menotring role within the class.

And its so engaging – it appeals to the kinesthetic, visual and read write learners, and when they discover the music component (I never mention this but they find it quickly and any chance of peace is ruined) – auditory learners to.

An Excellent day – nice one Mildie

… was a little quiet on the blogging front as I prepared for 2 fairly significant events.

The first event was the opening of the new block at school by John Key. My part in this was running a video conference with my Year 13 class. We were lucky enough to have a colleague to conference with who works in Google in San Francisco. The VC was a collaborative presentation on collaboration. 2 of my students collaborated with our colleague to prepare a joint presentation. The medium we used was the google suite of tools including:

• Google documents
• Google scholar
• Google alerts
• Google sites
• Google calendar
• Gmail and gtalk

We all enjoyed the presentation and I was impressed by range of tools available and free. Two tools that did impress me a lot were:

1. Google alerts – this is a cool – its like an RSS feed on steroids. Select your subject area or keywords, select your alert range (what you want want the site to look at – news sites, blogs journal etc) and set you report frequency. Each time an article is published within your reporting criteria google alerts lets you know.
2. gTalk -free video conferencing built into your gmail account

In the also very cool category is google scholar -  a search engine that only looks in academic or scholarly sites.

The kids did very well and considering the whole collaboration period was 48 hours from concept to delivery it was very good indeed.

The second event was the learning styles and learning tools workshop I ran at Tahatai Coast school. Man, those guys were good. Its Saturday morning, a voluntary event and 22 out of a staff of 35 turn up. Great turn out and these guys worked right through. Its great working with motivated people who contribute and want to be involved. There personal contributions, experiences and suggestions made it a great workshop. We covered some favourites of mine – Sensory learning and Multiple Intelligences and then linked these to learning tools.

They also understood that while we were talking about tools, the tools are just the medium the kids work in to achieve the educational/learning outcomes. They are a mechanism of engagement. Good day and lots of fun.

We also made a wiki which the staffa re going to use as a repository for learning activities.

So all in all a busy week.

Next week is also busy as I have sessions to present on robotics, Web 2.0, Open source software and digital kids.  Yehaa

This is the missing link and solution for the robotics resources. Here is Number 5 – Walls and edges and the programming solution and also the programming solution for activity three  – brace, brace, brace – using the Ultra-Sonic sensor.

So Here is the complete set of resources:

activity one.pdf – 50cm and no more
Activity two.pdf – there and back again
Activity three.pdf – Brace, Brace, Brace
Activity three solution.pdf Brace, Brace, Brace – programming solution
Activity four edge.pdf – edge finder
Activity four edge solution.pdf – edge finder programming solution
Activity five.pdf – Edges and walls
Activity five solution.pdf – Edges and walls programming solution
Activity six.pdf – Speed racer

I have completed another couple of Lego Starter resources.

The resources are:

• Activity Four – edge finder. Using the light sensor to find the edge of the desk
• Activity four solution – this is a sample program for activity four
• Activity Six – speed racer. This is looking at designing the robot for a specific task, in this case travelling the largest distance possible in a 10 second period.

What happen to activity five – its still in development.

As usual – suggestions and feedback are always welcome.