Why kids like robots more than families and schools: A recent Study Reveals – Part 2

One of the big reasons that in-classroom robots promote learning and creativity is because children, according to the study, see technology as fundamentally “human.” In their answers, children describe their robot as reassuring and supportive – a version 2.0 of a parent or friend  – offering up endless patience, encouragement and self-direction. Moreover, most kids thought their robots demonstrated qualities that they would like to emulate. In addition, many felt that robots inspired them to be creative outliers. In thousands of households with busy working parents, a robot to help an ADD, autistic, or otherwise stigmatised child stay focused on schoolwork would surely be a welcome addition.

However, in their stories, the kids also imagined robots as better versions of their parents and teachers, willing to take on mundane tasks so that the child could focus on higher-level pursuits. Trying to live up the standards of an endlessly patient, engaging, and encouraging robot could prove dispiriting to any parent outfitted with all-too-human emotional and intellectual intelligence. Especially when trying to get a child to take out the trash, mow the lawn, or clean the dishes.

Moreover, according to the study, 2/3 of kids took for granted that robots would make excellent human companions in spite of their machine intelligence. In the minds of children in the study, robots would not judge or chastise them for unconventional thinking or behavior. Moreover, they would be friendly and safe.

Much like the humorously trusting Butters in South Park, who found his robot friend in “A.W.E.S.O.M.-O 4000” (who turned out to be Cartman, pulling a prank), the study found that in the company of a robot, as opposed to a human, students feel more comfortable and able to project their true self, unleashing waves of learning and creative confidence.

While this study might seem farcical, it highlights some pedagogical ideas that could be implemented without robots. According to the study, teachers could encourage kids to be more self-directed, using tech resources and collaborative assignments to free up time so that they could be present when a student truly needs them. In other words, the Khan Academy model discussed in a previous Crotty dispatch.

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Posted by Usman Khalid on Feb 4 2012. Filed under World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.