Build Robots Create Science - A Constructivist Education Initiative for Indian Schools

Abstract

We present an instructional technology initiative from IIT Kanpur and Media Lab Asia aimed at reducing the rote learning component in Indian Education, and shifting the emphasis to more experiential learning through hands-on activities. Part of the interest is generated through building robots, which many children find emotionally appealing. This paper describes a set of tools and pedagogic methods aimed at the Indian schoolchild, age 10-18, developed through tests at a number of urban schools in Northern India, with increasing exposure to underprivileged and rural schools. A side benefit of this work is increased social awareness among the workshop conductors, typically upper-class Indian students from Engineering Colleges and privileged urban schools.