Hello everybody,
At the Frederick University in Limassol
two people got united in order to offer the most unique classes in
Cyprus. Dr. Giorgos A. Demetriou Assistant Professor, Robotics &
Automated Systems Lab (RAS Lab) Department of Computer Science and
Computer Engineering and Dr. Nikleia Eteokleous Lecturer in
Educational Technology, Department of Primary Education, School of
Education are just decided to bring the Robotic World in to our kids
hearts and beyond (i.e educators, hobbyists). A fantastic opportunity
to learn something new that can be completely integrated in their
future.
Kids Fun in Cyprus has the pleasure to
invite you and your children to find out more information about this
extraordinary adventure.
Izzy: Dear Nikleia and
Giorgios finding out about your Robotics Classes I was so pleasantly
surprised and opened my appetite to wish to know more. I hope that
the same feeling is also between our readers. What can you tell us
about you and Giorgos and how did you decided to open the Robotics
Academy in Limassol?
N.E: The idea of robotics
integration in education has been around for more than 20 years.
However, the great revolution in the field of educational robotics
has been achieved throughout the last decade, where robotics escaped
the laboratory and made efforts to connect to education. Numerous
research studies suggest that robotics integration for educational
purposes is an effective teaching method; arguing that if robotics
activities are appropriately designed and implemented have great
potential to significantly improve and enhance the teaching and
learning process. It has been shown that no age is too young or too
old for being engaged with robotics activities; and regardless of
age, educational background and interests, students consider working
with robots to be “fun” and “interesting”.
The past four years we have been
involved in various educational and research activities related to
robotics. For example, we were guest speakers in various seminars and
conferences as well as we were invited to provide lectures/
informative sessions or workshops to schools mainly in the area of
Lemesos. Additionally, we collaborated with numerous educational
organizations for organizing and delivering seminars and workshops
for educators and kids in primary and secondary education. I also
started introducing educational robotics concepts through my
university courses. Influenced by the experience as well as knowledge
and skills gained through the courses, lots of my students expressed
great interest in integrating robotics as tools in their teaching
practice during their final year of study at the university,
conducting small scale research projects. Finally, we have been
involved in research projects and activities related to robotics that
resulted in the development of academic manuscripts, conference
proceedings and conference presentations.
After 4 years of robotics related
activities it was about time to establish a research and educational
unit to host all the aforementioned as well as provide the foundation
to further promote and expand our robotics related activities.
Specifically, The Akadimia Rompotikis (Robotics Academy) of Frederick
University was established in order to promote robotics to the Cyprus
educational system and society. The Akadimia Robotikis promotes and
conducts research in the area of educational robotics. It researches
how to best integrate robotics in the educational system as a
subject-matter, as well as a cognitive-learning tool within the
teaching and learning process. It examines the development of
students’ knowledge and skills as well as it develops educational
robotics exercises and activities (aiming to develop a comprehensive
curriculum grounded to the official curriculum of the Ministry of
Education). Additionally, it investigates the effectiveness of
educational robotics and its connection to learning theories.
Additionally, in collaboration with the
Robotics and Automated Systems Lab (RAS Lab) of Frederick University
Akadimia Robotikis conducts research on system development, on
computer application development, and on other robotics related
topics.
Besides its research activity, Akadimia
Robotikis offers courses employing various robotics packages for
robot building and programming, for integration of robotics as an
educational tool and for preparation for participation in the World
Robotics Olympiad and other robotics competitions. The target
audiences are the following: teachers and students (all educational
levels) and anyone interested in robotics (hobbyists and
professionals).
G.D.:Robots are not just a thing of
science-fiction anymore. Robots are in places people might not
expect, whether they are helping people around the house, doing
household chores, traveling to Mars, or work in production. I believe
the next technological revolution (as the smart phone is today) will
be robotics. Robots are out of the labs and into our everyday lives
and within the next decade
their existence and involvement in our lives will be further
enhanced. And I do not mean humanoids, I mean systems that
will change our way of live; we will see self-driving cars,
assistance robots, rescue robots, military robots, robotic limbs and
exoskeleton suits for paraplegics to name a few.
Robotics, as a subject, is already part
of most university and high school curriculum and is slowly becoming
part of primary education as well. Many hobbyists are also getting
interested in robotics and wanting to gain
knowledge in the field of robotics. Robots are FUN and people
love to learn about robots and work with them.
In recent years I have had many
requests to teach robotics to either kids or adults interested in the
field. At the same time my colleague, Nikleia, has already been
involved in robotics education at the K-12 level. This is when the
idea of creating the Robotics Academy came about. We wanted a
facility that will allow people of all ages and levels to learn about
robotics. We offer robotics courses for
students, educators, hobbyists and professionals working in the field
or related fields. The Academy has the tools and the know how to
teach robotics in a fun and interactive way.
Izzy: The
Robots world is new and exciting and movies like Wall E and Robots
already integrate them our life. What can children experience and
what do you teach them at Robotics Academy?
N.E: At the lessons provided at
the Akadimia Robotikis the kids are involved in the extremely
interesting process of building and programming robots. First of all
the kids are introduced to the concept of robotics, its value and
importance in our daily live activities. The introductory sessions
are enhanced with pictures, videos and arts and crafts activities.
Afterward, the kids are introduced to the various robotics packages
that we have at the Akadimia. Two criteria are being taken into
consideration in regards to which robotics package to be employed and
the activities to be performed: 1) kids’ age and 2) background and
experience in regards to robotics. The kids are becoming familiar
with the robotics package (i.e. building blocks, bricks, sensors,
wires, or the robot its self (i.e. the BeeBot) and its accessories.
Educational robotics activities were designed and are constantly
updated and improved based on the robotics packages. At this point I
would like to introduce and comment on the philosophy of the Akadimia
Robotikis in regards to the learning environments and the educational
activities developed. The Akadimia employs the philosophy of
integrating robotics as “Mindtools”, meaning as tools through
which new ways of thinking and various concepts can be taught such as
geometry shapes, acceleration, traffic education, etc. Akadimia
Robotikis does not only aim to teach kids how to use the robotics
packages, their elements and programming software, but to use it
within a specific learning context designed to achieve specific
learning objectives.
The kids working in groups are
expected to follow given guidelines to build robots in various forms
(e.g., anthropomorphic, cars, animals) using various educational
robotics packages. Following, the robot development, the kids are
taught the programming platform of the robotic package employed and
are expected to program the robots in order to plan, test and modify
sequences of instructions from a variety of real life robotic
behaviors such as car parking; bus stop motion; animation robots
depending on lighting, color, distance and motion of any object; and
perform various shapes designs. Helpful instructions are given to
students to guide and help them through the programming process.
Additionally, the Akadimia Robotikis program of study includes
activities to foster kids imagination by giving them the opportunity
to build and program their own robots without giving any building
directions and or programming activities.
The kids enjoy their time during the
robotics lessons since learning it’s achieved through playing! The
activities besides being enjoyable and creative, they promote
learning by playing and learning by constructing, and specifically
the development of various higher order skills through scientific
investigation. Using robotics as a tool, the kids learn through the
process of development and programming a robot. The kids have the
opportunity to develop interactive “objects of thought” using
materials from the world of engineering (machines, sensors)
developing at the same time their technological literacy.
Additionally, the kids have the opportunity to experience the
multifaceted process of problem solving and decision making, as well
as cultivate scientific skills, collaborative learning and
exploration skills. Finally, it helps the kids develop better
understanding real world phenomena by connecting theory and practice,
abstract and concrete.
G.D.: Children are our future. They are the scientists
and engineers that will shape the future of humanity. Movies and
other robotics publicity have created a big hype about robots. As a
result, people have developed a curiosity and interest in the field
of robotics. People, especially children, want to learn and play with
robots. At the Academy we teach the basic principles of robotics,
basic robotics programming, and even offer more advanced courses of
how to build more complex robotic systems from scratch using advanced
components and tools used by real engineers.
Izzy:
I love the idea of using toys as a tool for learning. What kind of
educational resources do you use in order to reach the interest of
the children? Can you explain us something about these “professional
toys”? Are the lessons interactive and interesting for kids?
N.E.: The robotics materials
(building blocks/ bricks, sensors and motors) are perceived as toys
by the kids; and the educational activities designed using robotics
materials bring the students closer to technology as well as
challenge and their relationship with it. There are various
educational robotics packages however currently at the Robotics
Academy we use 4 of them for kids 6-12 years old. Those are: the
BeeBots, Lego WeDo, Lego Mindstorms NXT and Lego Ev3. Each of the
robotics packages is accompanied with programming software in order
for students to develop programs for the robots.
The kids mostly work in groups in order
to build and program the robots however the instructional approach
employed allows for everybody to work and interact with robotics
material and software. Along the same lines the learning environment
is designed in order to provide students the opportunity to have
control over their learning and the freedom and flexibility to
interact and collaborate within their groups to test, evaluate,
re-test, and take their own decisions on how to proceed. The kids are
enjoying themselves, developing knowledge and skills in a
student-centered, friendly, enjoyable and challenging learning
environment.
Of course there are some more advanced
educational robotics packages (i.e. Arduino, BeagleBone Black
Robots) as well as programming platforms (i.e. RobotC) that are used
with the older students of the Akadimia Robotikis.
G.D.: There is a bit of mystery
around robots. People are fascinated or intimated by robots. But in
either case, they are very curious about them. People do not know
what to expect and what to think when it comes to robots. They are
curious to find out about what is going on inside. Everyone thinks
robots are really intelligent or that they’re sentient beings. They
really aren't. They’re just following instructions. Sometimes
it’s a pretty complex set of instructions, but it’s still just a
set of instructions given by us (human beings). Our tools allow our
students to understand this concept and make it easier for them to
learn the basic principles of robotics. We give them the opportunity
to learn how robots work and how to make them do what we want them
to. For our older students, high school and above, we have the tools
that allow them to build and program more complex robots from scratch
relatively easily.
Izzy:
This summer Galactica Summer School invited you, to their premises.
Where they interested in the
Robots and was this visit, a success story that you would like to
repeat with other schools and kindergartens?
N.E.: First of all, I would like
to thank Galactica Summer Fun organizers for the collaboration. We
have been given our own space where we set up a robotics laboratory
(educational robotics packages, laptops, flat screen, floor mats).
Since the robotics lessons were part of the summer school activities
it would not be doable to commute from the Galactica premises to the
Akaradimia Robotikis premises. So for five weeks Galactica hosted the
Akadimia Robotikis in order to provide the courses to the kids and it
has been a great host! It was an unforgettable experience for all of
us! We all had a great time: the kids, the instructors, the team
supervisors, everybody! The kids were very much interested in robots;
they were really excited and seemed to totally enjoy the robotics
courses. We also offered 6 scholarships to kids that attended the
Galactica Summer Fun robotics courses for the new courses to be
offered at the Akadimia Robotikis (October 2014- January 2015).
The Robotics Academy is very much
interested in designing and delivering courses to kids and educators
(in all educational levels). We provided the first robotics courses
to kids on an experimental basis in October-November 2013 (for only 4
weeks) and then in March - May 2014 (for two months). The courses
were of great success! Based on the experience gained and the
feedback received we designed new courses for kids and educators (as
well as hobbyists and anyone interested in robotics). The courses are
differently designed and the activities are adjusted accordingly for
the kids, the educators and the hobbyists. More information about the
courses offered can be found in our website
(http://akrob.frederick.ac.cy).
Additionally, we are interested in
designing courses for schools and educators on based on various
criteria such as their needs, grade level, curriculum and goals.
Izzy: Many
of us would not think to send girls to such an activity! Are there
girls showing the same interest as the boys? It is something to learn
for everybody?
N.E.: I would say that the
girls show the same interest as boys. There are lots of girls and
women working or being educated in the fields of science,
mathematics, engineering and technology. There are not as many as
boys and men, however their interest in the aforementioned fields and
consequently the numbers of girls and women involved in these fields
are increasing worldwide. From my experience, I would say that in
regards to educators there were more women educators interested in
attending the robotics professional development training sessions
than men. On the other hand, there were more men educators coached
kids for the 1st World Robot Olympiad held in Lemesos, Cyprus during
October 2013 where twelve teams from all levels (in all elementary,
secondary and high school levels) participated. Two of the twelve
teams participated were coached by women educators. Additionally, one
of the women-coached teams had only girl members and ranked 2nd at
the Olympiad, very closed to winning the elementary level.
In regards to kids, during the robotics
courses I observed that in more than half of the cases, the girls
outperformed boys in the robotics activities not only in building the
robots but also in programming the robots. Specifically, the
singe-gendered teams (only girls) were more focused on the activities
given and managed to successfully complete the construction of the
robotic model as well as the programming activities given. At the
mix-gendered teams, the majority of the girls showed excellent
performance, taking leading roles and guide their teams towards the
goal.
Having in mind the above, I would say
that there is always something for everybody to learn. Educational
robotics is a multifaceted process and the lessons at the Akadimia
Robotikis are designed in order to include lots of people’s
attention and interest, etc. I feel that we should not anymore
categorize professions in relation to gender. It depends on someone’s
interests, intelligence and stimulus. I believe that educational
robotics is embracing various kinds of interests, numerous
intelligence (i.e. mathematical, linguistic, spatial, visual,
logical, and interpersonal) as well as providing extremely
challenging stimulus to students.
Izzy: How
do you think that getting children involved in the Robotics Academy
can change their life? Is it a path to follow for their future?
Since you started did you experienced results that makes you proud of
your activity?
N.E.: As aforementioned, the
kids develop various skills when “playing” with the robots.
Additionally, one of the greatest advantages of the robotics
activities is the various roles that kids can perform, such as
constructors, programmers, coordinators. They do not only develop
knowledge and skills but they are also gain valuable life experiences
that might influence their career decision and career paths in the
near future.
Of course Robotics is a path to follow
in their future! They are lots of fields related to robotics such as
medicine, food industry, and manufacturing. As of now the majority of
the robotics applications are in the manufacturing sector (i.e. car
factories). Lately various robotics applications are used in medicine
for surgeries and it is an extremely promising field. They kids can
follow career paths directly related to robotics (programming,
engineering and science). Nevertheless, they can combine robotics
with other fields such as medicine, education, neuroscience, music,
arts etc, as the experience we are want to provide to kids through
the activities designed at the Akadimia Robotikis where we aim to
integrate robotics (building and programming) to science, education,
and arts. For example, the activities designed at the Akadimia have
an educational character and approach (as aforementioned – meaning
that we aim to teach various concepts to kids through robotics).
Additionally, in collaboration with an organization in Nicosia we are
in the process to develop an educational program entitled “The Arts
meet Robotics”. Finally, Akadimia Robotikis in collaboration with
RAS – LAB (Robotics Automated Systems Lab – Frederick University)
are in the process to develop an autonomous robot for an artist.
The results that I am experiencing and
of course I am proud of are the kids’ enthusiasm and excitement
throughout robotics lessons. Kids are very interested in robotics,
they want more and the time is never enough.
G.D: Children
working with robotics can indirectly develop interest in science,
math and engineering. This alone can change the life and future of
many children. I believe that the future belongs to scientists and
engineers.
Izzy: To which category of age
you are addressing? Do the kids need to have some computer knowledge
before joining the Academy? How children or other interested persons
can participate to the World Robot Olympiad ? Was Cyprus represented
here before or this is the beginning of a new era?
N.E.: The courses
at the Akadimia Robotikis are designed to meet the needs of students
in all educational levels. Additionally, we designed courses for
educators in all educational levels (pre primary, primary, secondary
and higher education educators). Besides that, the courses are also
suitable for robotics hobbyists, meaning anyone interested in
Robotics. It would be good if the kids are technology literate but
this is not a requirement for someone to attend the robotics courses,
since robotics courses offer much more.
Anyone is eligible to participate at
the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) either as a coach or a participant.
There is no need for the coach to be an educator. The only
requirement is for the coach to be over 21 years old and the coach
does not need to train students from a particular school, it could be
his/her neighbors, friends, cousins, sons and daughters. The teams
should not come from a formal educational environment. The first
World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in Cyprus took place during October 2013
and twelve teams participated at the competition in three different
levels: elementary, junior-high and high school. The winning team
of the high-school level went to Indonesia to represent Cyprus to the
WRO. The 2nd WRO in Cyprus will take place in October 2014 and the
winning team(s) will represent Cyprus to Russia where the WRO will
take place in November 2014. For more information you can visit the
following two websites The WRO (www.wro2014.org) and the WRO Cyprus
(www.wro2014.org). Here I would like to mention that there are
numerous robotic competitions worldwide besides the World Robot
Olympiad.
G.D: We have had students from
the age of 6 all the way up to 50’s. Our courses are designed in
age groups and we always have courses for all ages. For the most
part, there is no need for computer knowledge before coming to the
Academy.
I would like to add something here the
WRO has been taking place for many years now. Last year was the first
year that children from Cyprus has participated in the competition.
We hope that some of our students can participate again this year!
The WRO comes in various categories: elementary school, junior high
school, high-school, university and open. Already some of my
University students are preparing for this year’s competition.
Izzy: Thank you very much for
sharing with us such interesting information and in the end I would
like to ask you to tell us a small story that you believe will make
us contemplate!
N.E: As soon as we finished the
2nd robotics lesson at Galactica Summer Fun, a 9 year old
girl came to me and said: “…yesterday when I went home I told my
mom that when I grow up I want to study robotics”. That particular
girl excelled during the robotics lesson and got one of the
scholarships provided by the Akadimia Robotikis.
G.D.: One young boy, called me
at the beginning of the summer and wanted to participate in our
summer courses. This summer we were not offering any courses for
Aggelo’s age group; he is 14. So I asked Aggelos if he wanted to
come and sit in the Robotics and Automation Laboratory where some of
my University students have been working on some projects. Aggelos
came almost every day during the summer months. One day he asked me
if I wanted to see a robot he has built on his own. Of course I
agreed, and the next day Aggelos brought his creation to the lab and
amazed all of us. It is a mobile robot with sensors that interacts
with its environment. This is University or even graduate level work.
I was very proud of him and his work. Aggelos will be coming to the
Academy courses this Fall. I will have to design a special course
just for him! I am sure there are many kids like him out there and I
am happy our future is resting in their hands. Aggelos is not just a
smart child, he is also a good student, polite, has values and knows
how to respect everyone around him. I look forward to working with
Aggelos and any other person who wants to learn and study robotics.
Lots of sunny days from Izzy the
Cypriot Lizard!
Robotics Academy
Lessons hours for kids (6-12
years old):
Tuesday:
15:00-16:00 / 16:30-17:30
Wednesday:
15:00-16:00 / 16:30-17:30
Thursday:
15:00-16:00 / 16:30-17:30
Lessons starts 1st of October 2015
Prices: for
kids courses is 50 euro and 60 euro per month depending on the
students’ age and level
Address:
The courses take place at Frederick University Premises in Limassol:: 18,
Mariou Agathagelou Str. Agios Georgios Havouzas, Limassol 3080 Cyprus
Contact person: Nikleia
Eteokleous / Giorgos Demetriou
E-mail: akrob@frederick.ac.cy
Phone no: +357
25 730975
Web page:
http://akrob.frederick.ac.cy
Face book: Ακαδημία
Ρομποτικής – Πανεπιστήμιο Frederick
Trainers:
Nikleia Eteokleous
Giorgos Demetriou
Christos Christodoulou
Alexia Michael
Rafaela Neofytou
Andreas Mavrommatis
Andreas Chatzipieris
Nikleia Eteokleous
Giorgos Demetriou
Christos Christodoulou
Alexia Michael
Rafaela Neofytou
Andreas Mavrommatis
Andreas Chatzipieris