Sample of use in education with students with IDD
Context
- Student: 10-year-old student with autism and moderate mental deficiency.
- Setting: Classroom of a special education center, with a small group of students (4-5) and two teachers, one of Therapeutic Pedagogy and the other of Hearing and Language.
- Duration: 3 sessions of 45 minutes each.
- Objective: To build and program a basic robot that can move forward and turn in response to commands.
Session 1: Introduction to Robot Components and Robot Assembly
Objectives
- To familiarize the student with the basic components of the LEGO SPIKE Prime kit.
- To build the robot base following a predefined model.
Activities
1. Presentation of Components:
- The teacher introduces the LEGO blocks, motors and sensors. Visual cards showing the name and image of each component are used.
- The student touches and explores the components, with the teacher providing a simple explanation of their function.
2. Guided Assembly:
- The student follows a simplified visual guide, with step-by-step images to assemble the robot base.
- The teacher provides close support, modeling the steps and using positive reinforcement as each step is completed.
Potential Difficulties
- Lack of Attention: The student may have difficulty staying focused throughout the session. Short breaks with sensory activities can be implemented to help regulate their attention.
- Fine Motor Coordination: There may be difficulty manipulating the small LEGO pieces. The teacher can offer physical assistance or adapt the size of the pieces used.
Educational Benefits
- Development of Motor Skills: LEGO assembly promotes fine motor coordination. At the educational level it is used to improve attention and following instructions.
- Sequence Comprehension: Following the steps in a visual guide helps develop sequence comprehension, essential in logical and mathematical reasoning.
Session 2: Basic Robot Programming
Objectives
- To introduce the student to basic programming using code blocks in the SPIKE application.
- To program the robot to move forward and turn.
Activities
1. Application Exploration:
- Teacher introduces the SPIKE application interface, highlighting the basic programming blocks (e.g., move forward, turn...).
- The student explores the application with the teacher's help, dragging and dropping blocks to form a simple program.
2. Guided Programming:
- With teacher support, the student programs the robot to move forward and then turn in a specified direction.
- A hands-on demonstration is performed, where the student observes how his or her programming affects the robot's movement.
Potential Difficulties
- Abstract Understanding: The connection between the code and the robot's action may be difficult to understand. Concrete, visual examples can be used to make this connection more tangible.
- Frustration: If the robot does not respond as expected, the student may become frustrated. It is important to maintain a calm approach, offering praise and problem-solving support.
Educational Benefits
- Introduction to Programming: Using a visual programming language provides a solid foundation in logic and scripting. Cause and effect is worked on in this way.
- Cognitive Development: By programming the robot, the student works on problem solving and sequential planning, which reinforces cognitive skills.
Session 3: Testing, Adjustments and Presentation
Objectives
- Perform testing of the programmed robot, identify possible errors and adjust the code.
- Present the robot to classmates and briefly explain what it does.
Activities
1. Robot testing:
- The student runs the program and observes the robot's behavior. The teacher guides the student in identifying errors or necessary adjustments.
- Adjustments are made to the code until the robot works as intended.
2. Presentation:
- The student shows his robot in action to classmates. Teacher supports in verbalizing what the robot does and how it was programmed.
Potential Difficulties
- Problem Solving: The process of identifying and correcting errors in the code can be challenging. It is important to break down problems into small, manageable steps and offer frequent praise.
- Communication: The presentation may be difficult due to limitations in verbal communication. The teacher can facilitate this part by using guiding questions or visual cards.
Educational Benefits
- Autonomy and Self-Confidence: By completing the project, the student develops a sense of accomplishment, which is crucial for self-confidence. Task resolution and frustration are worked on.
- Social Skills: The presentation of the robot encourages participation in a social environment, improving communication and collaboration skills.
Impact on STEAM Dynamics
Science and Technology: Through assembly and programming, students experience basic concepts of physics (motion and forces) and technology (programming and electronics).
2. Engineering: The construction of the robot introduces principles of design and problem solving, key elements of engineering.
3. Art: Robot design and programming can include creative elements, such as choosing specific colors and movements, encouraging personal expression.
4. Mathematics: Logic sequences and programming commands reinforce math skills, such as counting and understanding patterns.
Conclusion
This learning situation with LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime not only introduces our student to the world of robotics and programming, but also promotes the development of motor, cognitive and social skills. Difficulties can be managed through careful adaptation and a personalized approach, maximizing educational benefits and preparing the student for greater success in STEAM dynamics.
Integration of the AstericGrid System for Communication Support
To complement this learning situation, the use of AstericGrid, an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) application designed for people with verbal communication difficulties, can be integrated. AstericGrid allows by selecting pictograms that represent words, phrases or actions, facilitating communication. In the context of the project with LEGO® SPIKE Prime, AstericGrid can be used to help the learner express his or her choices and needs during the exploration and assembly of the robotics kit. For example, the learner can use the app to select pictograms that represent specific kit components or actions such as connect, turn, or move. This not only facilitates communication, but also supports the process of exploration and discovery, allowing him to participate more autonomously and actively in the activities. In addition, the use of AstericGrid can reduce frustration by providing an effective tool for expressing ideas and receiving clear instructions, significantly enhancing the educational experience in this STEAM environment.
https://spike.legoeducation.com/
https://grid.asterics.eu/#welcome
