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ERIC Number: EJ823043
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2003
Pages: 33
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-7069
EISSN: N/A
Designing, Developing, and Implementing a Course on LEGO Robotics for Technology Teacher Education
Chambers, Joan M.; Carbonaro, Mike
Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, v11 n2 p209-241 2003
Within a constructivist philosophy of learning, teachers, as students, are introduced to different perspectives of teaching with robotic technology while immersed in what Papert called a "constructionist" environment. Robotics allows students to creatively explore computer programming, mechanical design and construction, problem solving, collaboration, physics, motion, music--all within an active, enjoyable, and nonthreatening setting. The theoretical motivation for integrating robotics into the teacher education program comes from Jonassen's (2000) argument that technology tools can be viewed as cognitive tools or "Mindtools" that enhance the learning process. Students are given ownership for their learning within a constructionist environment and allowed to discover and make choices as they explore countless avenues for solving design challenges. Through the use of innovative LEGO[R] "RoboLab"[TM] technology, students learn various facets of problem solving while simultaneously mastering numerous mathematical and scientific concepts. This article describes a case study of a pilot teacher education course in robotic technology. The goal was to design and develop a course that provides current and prospective teachers with a solid understanding of robot design, construction, and programming--as well as a demonstration and understanding of teaching using constructionist pedagogical strategies. (Contains 11 figures.)
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327-1545. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A