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Access to hands-on mathematics measurement activities using robots controlled via speech generating devices: three
1Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton , Alberta , Canada and.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|August 21, 2013
Summary
Students with physical and communication disabilities used robots and speech generating devices (SGD) to actively participate in math measurement activities, demonstrating their knowledge effectively.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Special Education
- Robotics in Education
Background:
- Current mathematics pedagogy emphasizes hands-on activities and conceptual communication.
- Students with severe physical and communication disabilities often face challenges in participating in such activities.
Observation:
- Three children with significant physical disabilities and complex communication needs utilized a robot controlled via a speech generating device (SGD).
- Participants engaged in math measurement lessons involving comparing, sorting, and ordering objects.
- The study documented manipulation and communication events during robot-assisted activities.
Findings:
- Robot and SGD use revealed some gaps in participants' procedural knowledge.
- Simultaneous use of the robot and SGD provided significant benefits for participation and knowledge demonstration.
- Stakeholders deemed the intervention feasible and valuable for classroom settings.
Implications:
- Adapted robots and SGDs enable children with severe physical disabilities to perform hands-on math activities.
- This technology integration allows students with complex communication needs to articulate their understanding of mathematical concepts.
- The combined use of robots and SGDs facilitates active participation and conceptual experience in mathematical measurements.
