In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages, social media, and the internet to help us navigate our busy lives, it’s more than just time we embrace the benefits that technology can bring to our lives. The tech sector has progressed a lot from the days of the abacus and the steam engine to the present era where we can create and learn using artificial intelligence.
A lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding technology and life in the modern world can be found in the educational sector. Teachers spend their careers teaching kids to memorize facts and formulas when there are much simpler and more effective ways to teach students how to learn. Technology is a tool for teachers, students, and education in general, but it should be used in a way that helps to prepare people for their futures.
The world is changing, and everyone is changing with it, so what better time than now to learn how technology can be put to good use in our classrooms. Social robots can be an important component in helping students learn more effectively, increase confidence, and achieve their goals. Here’s what you need to know about social robots in education.
What is a Social Robot?
A social robot is essentially an artificial intelligence that intimate humans and other technologies, making them as close to them as possible. While it is technically an AI, it differs from other AI-based tools due to its high-level interactive functionalities. This makes it a powerful learning tool in the educational industry.
Developing educational programs for social robots becomes highly imperative as they become more sophisticated and useful. The idea is to create a way to educate students without spending a lot of money on expensive educational tools. Online platforms, such as JustDoMyEssay, incorporate this AI as an online college paper helper that could help students develop good writing skills.
How They Apply to the Educational Sector
Besides being real companions, social robots can serve as virtual assistants and even teach. They can learn and evolve based on the information humans provide. This can range from simple commands to complex programs with feedback. That being stated, here are some of their applications in education.
Language Learning and Practice
Learning a new language can be one of the biggest challenges for many students. This is particularly true for those with very little experience in speaking and writing a foreign language. With the evolution of social robots, they are becoming more advanced at translating between languages. What does this mean for students?
Social robots can easily teach a child how to understand and speak any other language. For instance, one of the greatest tools for studying a foreign language is Rosetta Stone, an electronic language tool that has helped thousands of students learn English, French, German, Spanish, and more. But then, social robots aren’t only for learning but also for tutoring.
Tutors who want to teach language through a social robot can use an intelligent tool like Robo-Tutor. This learning tool speaks and writes multiple languages and can be used to practice a foreign language.
Easier Programming and Robotics
Coding is never an easy process, even for those with patience to learn it. Even experienced programmers must develop their skills at each new stage of coding as well as learn how to overcome difficulties. But with the evolution of social robots, it is becoming easier to write programs that work together in a more coordinated and automated way. It’s like having the best computer teacher out there.
The process of coding is now more accessible, making it easier for students of every age to have the technology and programming skills to become professionals. With consistency in improvements, they can access lucrative job opportunities after their college or university programs. In fact, according to some experts, coding is the most in-demand job in the 21st century.
Social robots also aid learning in designing, assembling, and operating robots. This is because they provide highly interactive development of basic to complex basic programming ideas and concepts that are vital for robots to function. Students can test their developments in real-time and debug errors more effectively.
School Attendance via Assistive Technology
Another advantage of social robots is that they can promote a healthy social environment. They have been used as an educational resource for students battling autism, depression, and anxiety. Even more, social robots connect students and tutors in a positive and interactive virtual learning environment (VLE) that would not have been possible through less effective methods.
School attendance has always been a problem in developing countries. But as technology improves, these AI tools provide great assistance to those who struggle to attend school. They also teach children from different backgrounds to socialize with their peers. The result is a reduction in dropout rates due to more stable teaching and greater academic support.
Interactive Assistant for Students with Special Needs
Once upon a time, students with autism had little to no help wading through educational institutions. But today, this is changing with social robots working as assistive technology to cater to these individuals. These tools have proven to be more effective than traditional methods and can even help with speech therapy, social skills training, and emotional regulation.
These tools allow autistic students to communicate more readily and effectively. They also spur positive mental growth. Those who struggle with social learning can improve their learning skills and interaction with others.
Enhancing Skill Development for the Future
Social robots not only benefit education but also set the stage for future growth. Many people believe that robots will eventually take over our jobs and replace us. Although conceivable, they are more likely to improve our skills in fields like photography, graphics design, web and mobile development, art, and music.
By taking advantage of the power of this AI, professionals are improving their efficiency and providing a better working environment. They lay the foundation for students to provide value in the future workforce. Students can adapt to changing technology and use it to advance their skill sets, whether they are studying engineering, business, or medicine.
Conclusion
Social robots are here to reshape the way we teach, learn, and socialize. They also promise to positively impact the work environment by helping to train and develop future workers in a way that prior generations have only dreamed of. And education is the platform through which this AI will have the most transformative effect.