Authors:
Alfredo Pina
1
;
Gabriel Rubio
2
and
Ainhoa Moreno
3
Affiliations:
1
Math & Computer Engineering department, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
;
2
Filology & Language Didactics department, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
;
3
Colegio Cardenal Ilundain, Avenida de Don Marcelo Celayeta, 117, 31014 Pamplona, Spain
Keyword(s):
Educational Robotics, Real/Virtual Robots, Key Competences, Standard Curricula, Primary.
Abstract:
In this paper, we describe the experiences we have been carrying out the last years using educational robotics
in classroom at the primary level, mainly with boys and girls from 6-7 to 12-14 years old. We have set up a
constructivist Problem Based Learning Approach in order to use robotics to teaching/learning key
competences and standard curricula topics. We have introduced the possibility of working with virtual robots
as well as with real robots. In order to achieve that, firstly we chose real robots (Beebot and Lego Mindstorms
NXT/EV3 respectively). Secondly we implemented software tools for the virtual robots using either our own
developed software or Scratch or Byob/Snap, and thirdly we designed different projects and materials that
could work with all those technological artifacts. Afterwards, and in order to validate such tools and such
methodological approach, we used all of them in three different educational environments: firstly in a series
of teacher’s training
summer courses (11, 12 years old, in August from 2012 until 2016), secondly in the First
Lego League (FLL) contests (10-14 years old, which took place from 2009 until 2016) and then with a
teacher’s teams network we promoted (7-14 years old, consolidated in 2014- 2015 and still in place up to
date). The results are promising as we have managed to create a sustainable network of schools and a
significant group of people working in a coordinated way. The Educational authorities support our work and
we have set up a binding agreement between the university, the schools and the Planetarium of Pamplona, in
order to work both in the school and out of the school (the Planetarium plays the role of a Science and
Technological Museum).
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