This document discusses how programmable robots called Bee-Bots can be integrated into language classrooms. Bee-Bots are floor toys that can be programmed with sequences of movements and commands. They help develop important skills in young children such as problem solving, communication, and building confidence. Teachers can support learning through guided play with Bee-Bots, enriching the experience and helping children explore. The document outlines the educational benefits of using Bee-Bots and provides examples of how they can build skills in areas like math, language, and design.

1. INTEGRATING ROBOTICSIN THE LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
By: Sandra Costa & Victoria Sousa

3. ❑Programmable floor toy
❑Can be programmed with sequences of up
to 40 commands (7 buttons –4 directions; PAUSE, CLEAR, GO)
❑Moves accurately in 15cm steps
❑Is supported by a range of accessories
(play mats; sequencing cards; software)
What is a Bee-bot?

4. ❖FD -forwards
❖BK –backwards
❖LT –left
❖RT -right
Basic Commands:

5. ❑Young children learn when they play with hands-on, concrete materials that encourage:
➢exploration, discovery, manipulation, and active engagement
❑Teachers support children’s learning in play by becoming co-players
➢enriching & extending
➢guiding and supporting
“Play is an essential learning tool for young children”
Dr. John Irvine, Australian Child Psychologist

6. :criteriafor educational“toys” usedin directedplay
Skill building
Problem solving
Imagination and creativity
Communication
Ego-building and self confidence
These same benefits can be observed in children who use Bee-Bots.

7. ●Mathematicalskills: counting, estimatingdistanceandtime, andworkingmathematicallyto solve problems
●SpatialVisualisationskills: theabilityto mentallyorientate, manipulate, trackandrotatethebee-bot
●LanguageSkills: especiallyrecalling, interpretingorarticulatingcommandsequences
●Design & Technologyskills: interpretinga design challenge, generatingsolutions, makinga plan, testingandevaluating
Skill Building

8. ●Planning
●Logical thinking
●Solving challenges
Problem Solving

9. ❑Multi-sensory appeal to children: colorful, flashing eyes, sounds, movement
❑Engaging character:giving the bee-bot a name and personality attributes
❑Can be linked to favorite stories, toys, scenarios as play mats, etc.
Imagination & Creativity

10. Communication Skills
❑Learning is a social experience
❖discussing
❖taking turns
❖collaborative work
❑Context for oral language learning
❑Can support written language development
rain

11. Ego-building & Self Confidence
❖questioning and posing problems
❖taking responsible risks
❖striving for accuracy
❖task persistence
❖sense of achievement when solving problems
❖supports motivation

12. What you need:
Software

13. You can create your own squares:

14. Probot

15. RouteMap
Software
ProbotResources
AmusementParkMat
Rally Mat

16. Probot

17. •Irvine, J.
Available: www.drjohnirvine.com.au
Referenceshttp://www.tts-group.co.uk

18. Thankyoufor coming!
Link to Bee-botmatTemplate: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zJSij9hqfSgZd8xdqhtNKQ2Rxk7PrWsb-L7iyn1Daws/edit?usp=sharing
Ouremails:
vsousa@caislisbon.org& scosta@caislisbon.org
Contacts