Virginia Tech Expands Robot Theater Program with NSF Grant to Educate Children on Robotics and AI Ethics

Enhancing Learning Through Performance-Based Robotics Education

Exploring the Future of Education: Robotics, AI, and Ethical Learning at Virginia Tech

In an innovative fusion of technology and the arts, Virginia Tech’s robot theater program is taking center stage, thanks to a significant grant from the National Science Foundation. This initiative, started by Myounghoon “Philart” Jeon, aims to engage grade school children in robotics through a unique performance-based learning experience. With the recent funding of over $500,000, the program is ready to expand its reach and deepen its focus on the ethical implications of robots and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Genesis of Robot Theater

Myounghoon Jeon, a professor of industrial and systems engineering, conceptualized the robot theater program in 2015 while at Michigan Technological University. Launched in 2016, the program has evolved significantly over the years, enriching the learning experiences of children by blending art with technology. The overarching goal is to expose young learners to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through immersive and creative methods.

“The idea is to help children learn while using robots,” Jeon explains. The program culminates in a performance where children collaborate with robots, providing a fun and engaging way to explore complex concepts.

A Focus on Ethics in Robotics and AI

With the new NSF grant, the program is placing a strong emphasis on robot and AI ethics. The team, which now includes experts like Koeun Choi from human development and family science, is keen on conducting needs assessments with educators and children. The idea is to build a curriculum that reflects real classroom needs and equips children with the tools to navigate the ethical intricacies of technology.

“We want to understand students’ knowledge about AI and robots, along with their literacy in these areas,” says Qin Zhu, an associate professor in engineering education. “A key part of this program is ensuring that students learn to use these technologies responsibly.”

Engaging Learning Modules

Robot theater has become a staple at various educational institutions, including Eastern Montgomery Elementary School and Virginia Tech’s Child Development Center for Learning and Research. The program engages children through creative modules focused on acting, dance, music, and drawing. Each session combines structured learning with free play, fostering both technical curiosity and creative expression.

“It’s not a sit-down-and-listen kind of program,” asserts Jeon. Children engage in imaginative activities that naturally lead them to encounter and grapple with real ethical questions about robotics and AI.

Acting Out Ethical Scenarios

The grants will facilitate the development of an expanded curriculum that not only teaches technology concepts but also prompts critical thinking about fairness, privacy, and bias. By weaving stories and performances into these lessons, children can interact with robots in ways that make ethical implications tangible.

For example, during a dance module with a robot, students might discuss the privacy concerns associated with data collection while reflecting on their movements. This approach demystifies complex topics, transforming them into accessible discussions that resonate with young minds.

Future Aspirations

The NSF funding also allows for the program’s expansion into museums and other informal learning environments, making robotics more accessible. Plans to offer workshops and summer sessions will help to diffuse the curriculum and supporting materials to educators nationwide, all of which will be made available on platforms like GitHub.

“This grant lets us expand what we’ve built and make it more robust,” says Jeon. By incorporating real feedback and learning from educators and children, the program aims to make a lasting impact.

Conclusion

The robot theater program at Virginia Tech represents a pioneering approach to educating the next generation about robotics, technology, and ethics. As children dance with robots and enact stories that explore ethical dilemmas, they are not just learning about technology; they are engaging in critical conversations that will shape their understanding of their role in a rapidly changing world. By blending performance with ethical inquiry, Virginia Tech is undoubtedly preparing young learners for a future where robots and humans coexist harmoniously.

For more information, you can reach out to Chelsea Seeber at chelseab29@vt.edu or call 540-231-2108.

Stay Tuned

Follow Virginia Tech for updates on the robot theater program and see how they continue to innovate in educational methods that inspire both creativity and ethical understanding in robotics!