Options
TinkerBot: A Semi-Automated Agent for a Learning Environment Based on Tinkering
Journal
29th International Conference on Computers in Education Conference, ICCE 2021 - Proceedings
Date Issued
2021-11-22
Author(s)
Jain, Shruti
Raina, Ashutosh
Iyer, Sridhar
Abstract
Tinkering is an effective approach to develop Engineering Design Skills. Tinkering based robotics kits can aid in nurturing tinkering and associated design skills. Due to a limited understanding and experience, novice designers face several challenges like access to basic information via rudimentary sources like manuals leading to complications in accessing basic information. Design fixation is another challenge that limits the learners in utilizing such robotics kits to their full potential. Though a mentor can address these challenges by scaffolding and aiding reflection, a mentor supported by a semi-automated agent can have a tremendous impact on a seamless familiarization and with the robotics kits. In this paper, we present an idea of a chatbot based Semi-Automated agent as a companion for tinkering kits. After analyzing interactions between a mentor and a participant in the robotics workshops we have classified the interactions and used them to develop a scaffolding logic to automate certain routines of interactions using the chatbot. Such a chatbot can act as a scaffolding agent as well as a companion for journaling and also open the possibilities to remote or virtual mentoring.
Volume
1
Subjects