Abstract
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social robotics develop across various sectors, the integration of
such technologies into the social professions poses particular challenges. Future professionals need
to develop a critical technological literacy but this can be difficult for those without a STEM
background or who may even be resistant to technology.
This workshop addresses the challenge of bridging the gap for non-STEM learners. Based on the
presenters’ experiences of educational activities in the fields of robotics and AI over a period of 8
years, it outlines a number of real-world examples and introduces some popular social robots. These
include simulations, development of training programmes, ‘tinkering’, design-thinking workshops,
MOOC and practical robot building. Common threads, approaches and challenges will be drawn from
these diverse experiences.
Of equal importance will be the insights and experiences of participants in the workshop. Using a
collaborative problem solving approach participants will identify core required knowledge, actions
and techniques to facilitate learning in this context, key enablers and barriers, and innovative
approaches that have worked (or failed).
The ultimate aim of the workshop is to identify creative and practical approaches that will help to
develop essential digital capacities for non-STEM learners: particularly through the identification of
current skillsets and skills gaps. It will help participants to consider how they may facilitate learners
to develop some critical skills and competencies for the future.
such technologies into the social professions poses particular challenges. Future professionals need
to develop a critical technological literacy but this can be difficult for those without a STEM
background or who may even be resistant to technology.
This workshop addresses the challenge of bridging the gap for non-STEM learners. Based on the
presenters’ experiences of educational activities in the fields of robotics and AI over a period of 8
years, it outlines a number of real-world examples and introduces some popular social robots. These
include simulations, development of training programmes, ‘tinkering’, design-thinking workshops,
MOOC and practical robot building. Common threads, approaches and challenges will be drawn from
these diverse experiences.
Of equal importance will be the insights and experiences of participants in the workshop. Using a
collaborative problem solving approach participants will identify core required knowledge, actions
and techniques to facilitate learning in this context, key enablers and barriers, and innovative
approaches that have worked (or failed).
The ultimate aim of the workshop is to identify creative and practical approaches that will help to
develop essential digital capacities for non-STEM learners: particularly through the identification of
current skillsets and skills gaps. It will help participants to consider how they may facilitate learners
to develop some critical skills and competencies for the future.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | SETU Digital Education Conference - South Eastern Technological University, Waterford, Ireland Duration: 10 Dec 2024 → … |
Conference
| Conference | SETU Digital Education Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Ireland |
| City | Waterford |
| Period | 10/12/24 → … |
