Robot Teachers?

Could it be true? Are robots teaching classrooms full of children in South Korea? An article I stumbled across today on Yahoo News from AFP, titled S. Korea Schools Get Robot English Teachers describes this trend as it’s occurring in South Korea. Apparently it seems to be a success. It keeps children interested, allows shy children to express themselves more easily, and allows students in towns that have been “shunned” by foreign English speakers to learn English. Another article from CNN dated October 22, 2010 delves into this trend as well. Both articles claim that the robots are not replacing teachers, rather they are a learning tool available to students, and they act as assistants to the teachers.

Image: ‘Robot’ from http://www.flickr.com/photos/avoiretc/3441244946/

MPR Library Broadcast

Changing technology and the future of libraries

Broadcast: Midmorning, 12/21/2010, 10:06 a.m.

Eager to attract digitally savvy readers, public libraries across the country are expanding their electronic book collections. That’s just one of the ways that today’s libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of the 21st century library patron.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/12/21/midmorning2/

Guests

  • Lois Langer Thompson: director of the Hennepin County Library.
  • Kit Hadley: director of the St. Paul Public Library.

TIES 2010 Conference Summary: A CMLE Scholarship

The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.

Submitted by: Mark Krueger, North Junior High Media Specialist

The TIES Conference 2010 was an excellent conference. There were many very good sessions to take part in. It seemed like the focus was more mobile devices than in the past. Such devices that were discussed in many sessions were iPods and iPads. Administrators who attended the conference received their own free iPads.

The keynote speaker on Monday was Sir Ken Robinson. He was an excellent speaker. Sir Robinson talked about how each learner has strengths and weaknesses. Each person has something that they are good at and education needs to change to help develop these personalized strengths. What also made him an excellent speaker was his ability to engage the audience with humor.

Overall I thought TIES 2010 was worth the trip. It is always a good experience to meet with other professionals in the area of education and technology. It is also a great time to talk with vendors about individual school needs. I know I talked with numerous vendors for multiple hours about what they have that could contribute to my school’s success. Such tools include projectors, document cameras, and audio devices. I would recommend the TIES conference in the future for any teacher or media specialist interested in technology and education.

National Geographic Giant Traveling Maps

National Geographic has Giant Traveling Maps available for use by schools. The maps are the largest maps ever produced by National Geographic and require a gym or large room for use. Each map is accompanied by a set of activities and other materials. Currently maps for Africa, Asia, North American and South America are available for loan. Schools can borrow the traveling maps for $450 (for the minimum two-week loan). Each additional week costs $225/week.