Shuji Kurebayashi

Learning computer programming with autonomous robots

This paper reports on a programming lesson using autonomous robots in junior high school. First, the design of the low cost circuit board for the lesson is described. The structure of a general programming language “Dolittle” which controls a robot is also explained. Then, we introduce lessons of manufacturing and controlling robots in “Information and Computer” area of “Technology and Home Economics” subject for students (from 14 to 15 years old). From the result of the lessons we found that (1) learning programming is “hard fun” for students and (2) robot programming is effective for students those who have difficulties in learning. We propose introduction of learning programming with autonomous robots to IT education of junior high school.

Design of an Educational Support System for Self-Learning

An educational support system for self-learning of a pupil is proposed in this paper. The features of the proposed system are that 1. appropriate questions which depend on the ability level of the pupil are provided by using a fuzzy scheme and 2. learning situation and weak points of the pupil are given by employing a principal component analysis (PCA). Therefore, different from conventional support systems, the proposed system enables the teacher to obtain analytical data for giving suitable advice about study. As one of the simplest examples, the proposed system for arithmetic training is realized by using Visual Basic. The experimental results show that the proposed system can provide appropriate questions depending on the ability level of pupil.

Proposal for Teaching Manufacturing and Control Programming Using Autonomous Mobile Robots with an Arm

We propose a technology education curriculum for lower secondary school students using an autonomous mobile robot with an arm. The purpose of our curriculum is to teach the concept of systems that work with mechanics, electricity and computers. For this purpose, we have developed a control board and a computer language for an autonomous mobile robot with an arm. The benefit of this kind of robot is that students have to seriously think about the program for controlling the arm to lift and carry objects. This kind of serious thought is not necessary in programming simple mobile robots without arms[1]. In this paper, we will report a test conducted to evaluate our teaching materials and lessons in lower secondary school. As a result, our technology education curriculum satisfies requirements for students that have more incentives to learn the concept of systems.

Development of an Educational System to Control Robots for All Students

Machines controlled by computers are spreading in almost all areas of our society. However, students are not aware of the existence of such devices. At present, we have developed an educational system for secondary schools that can implement realistic computer controlled, autonomous mechanics. The system is composed of a controller board as hardware and a structured control language on top of the Dolittle programming language as software. Mechanics controlled by the controller board can be arranged according to the teachers wishes. The biggest contribution of our system is its low-cost; students can bring their work home and use the system. In this paper, the design concept of our educational system and the design details are described. We then include the results of a survey which was taken at workshops for lower secondary school teachers.

A Fuzzy-Based Educational System to Assist Self-Learning for Pupils

In this paper, a self-learning support system for pupils in an elementary course is proposed. In making of homework for self-learning, by using a fuzzy scheme, the proposed system assists the choice of questions which are suitable for the level of scholastic ability. Furthermore, by presuming the weak field and the degree of the improved ability of each pupil, the proposed fuzzy-based system adjusts the level of the question for the homework. As one of the simplest examples, the proposed system for arithmetic training is realized by using a visual basic. The validity of the proposed system is confirmed through experiments. The experiments show that the proposed system can provide appropriate questions depending on the ability level of pupil.

Development of an Autonomous Mobile Robot with an Arm as a Teaching Material

We describe a control board for an autonomous mobile robot with an arm as a teaching material we have developed and evaluation of it.Using our control board and programming language ldquoDolittlerdquo in technology education, we thought that students could learn systems that work with mechanics, electricity and computers through integrating manufacturing and programming. So we established a curriculum for junior high school students to learn systems we wanted to teach with an autonomous mobile robot with an arm as a teaching material. In this paper, we will report a conducted test to evaluate our lessons in a junior high school. As a result, our technology education curriculum satisfies requirements for students that have more incentive to learn the concept of systems.