educate

Kibot the robot entertains kids, spies on them

Korean children, already fast becoming a robot-friendly lot, have a new companion in Kibot, a monkey-faced bot that can read fairy tales, sing songs, take pictures, and make video calls via a display embedded in its tummy.

Wireless operator KT Telecom started delivering the multitasking monkey today for 485,000 won ($447), plus wireless packages that can be purchased in 12- or 14-month installments.

"It's really cute," said my 9-year-old friend Stella, a co-worker's daughter who visited CNET's offices today. "I would get one if it was in blue." (No luck; for now, it only comes in pink and gray).

Kibot (short for "kid's robot") isn't just for kids, however. Parents can also remotely control the 8-inch-tall wheeled robot via mobile phone and, using Wi-Fi, monitor their children (a feature that made Stella a tad apprehensive).

"If I was sleeping, it wouldn't be that comfortable if I knew someone was watching me," she said. "It would be freaky."

Big brother (or father) concerns aside, Stella thinks the robot playmate--which is aimed at kids younger than she is, 3 to 7--would be a hoot to have around.

She was especially excited by the video chat function, which lets kids make calls via the 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera simply by touching an RFID card bearing the picture of a familiar face (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and so on) to the device. … Read more

Cultural lessons via 'Skype in the classroom' (video)

I hate to date myself, but when I was in elementary school, the technology was pretty basic, or even nonexistent. The newest, latest gear consisted of mimeograph machines that turned out finger-staining, purple-inked work sheets; Commodore 64 computers to play "Oregon Trail;" and overhead projectors, the great-grandmothers of Power Point. These days, however, kids are just as comfortable typing away on tablets as they are coloring inside the lines. And they certainly have no problems using Skype to call a classroom half a world away to chat about what they ate for lunch.

"Skype in the Classroom&… Read more

Learn to read the fun way

Super Why is an interactive, educational reading game for preschoolers based on the hit PBS Kids show of the same name, featuring (much to the delight of Super Why fans, no doubt) many of the original sounds, games, and characters from the show.

Super Why gives you four different character-narrated, touch-based games, each with a different task for kids: Super Why's Story Saver (picking one of three words to correctly complete a sentence), Princess Presto's Wands-Up Writing (identifying letters by sound to spell a word, then tracing those letters with your finger), Alpha Pig's Lickety Letter Hunt (… Read more

Boy Scouts can now earn robotics merit badge

Sure, Bobby Boy Scout can tie a square knot and start a fire using flint and steel, but can he build a robot? If so, he'll now be able to sew a robotics merit badge to his sash.

The badge is part of the Boy Scouts of America's new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum. One of 31 STEM-related merit badges, it's a nod to robots' increasingly wide-reaching impact and part of the BSA's ongoing attempt to teach its ranks relevant skills.

"While the guiding principles of scouting--service to others, leadership, personal achievement, and respect for the outdoors--will never change, we continue to adapt programs to prepare young people for success in all areas of life," BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca said in a statement.

Earning the bot badge will mean a scout not only has a handle on actuators, sensors, and programming, but on the myriad ways robots are tightening their metallic grip. … Read more

Schools supe: iPad more important than a book

The iPad has enjoyed more than its fair share of hyperbole since its launch.

However, perhaps the praise heaped upon it by a school superintendent from Auburn, Maine, might represent the pinnacle (thus far, at least).

CNN and WGME reported that every elementary public school student in Auburn, Maine, will be getting a new iPad 2.

The iPad will become a permanent tool of learning for these children.

But perhaps those who haven't quite kept up with technology's pace will be perturbed at one comment made by Auburn schools Superintendent Tom Morrill. For he declared that the iPad … Read more

Virtual-desktop integration touches all professions

I recently gave a presentation at a small gathering of IT "enthusiasts" in Albany, N.Y. I say "enthusiasts" because the audience was an eclectic mix of IT technologists and people with advanced expertise in non-IT fields. For example, I met two people from an architectural firm, and neither was an IT administrator. One was an architect and the other was a building systems engineer (HVAC, wiring, etc.). They were there specifically to learn more about an IT systems requirement for a new elementary-school building project. I had not expected to see an architect in the … Read more

Teacher suspended for alleged 'future criminals' Facebook post

It seems only last week that a teacher of young minds was threatened with legal action for mocking one of her class on Facebook.

Because it was only last week. Yes, this Chicago elementary school educator was upbraided for allegedly laughing at a little girl's Jolly Rancher hair.

But now there is news that another teacher--this time in Paterson, N.J.-- has been suspended for allegedly calling her first-grade class "future criminals" on Facebook.

Some might think this less of an insult than, for example, calling them "future cast members of Jersey Shore."

However, … Read more

Teacher accused of mocking 7-year-old on Facebook

Class, we need to go over this again: when you post things on Facebook, it is likely that they will go far beyond your few thousand friends.

This reminder needs to be made right now. You see, the mother of 7-year-old Ukailya Lofton from Chicago has accused her daughter's teacher of taking a cell phone picture of her daughter's hair--in order to post it on Facebook. It seems she thought the hair was somewhat amusing.

As the story was told to ABC7News Chicago, the mother, Lucinda Williams, said that her daughter wanted to have hair with Jolly Rancher … Read more

Skype in the Classroom graduates from beta

Skype in the Classroom, a video networking service for educators worldwide, is officially out of beta, the company said today.

The service, which has been in beta since December, allows educators to collaborate with others around the world over video. The VoIP provider said it developed the service "in response to, and in consultation with, the growing number of teachers using Skype to help their students learn."

To set Skype In the Classroom apart from the company's basic service, teachers can use the tool to find fellow educators who may be teaching on the same topic. It … Read more

Two-year-old masters the iPad

In the last few days, a YouTube video of 2-year-old Bridger Wilson working rather fluidly with an iPad has started making the rounds in the blogosphere. The video is a little disconcerting because it sort of reminds you of those E-Trade baby commercials, which are amusing because they're so obviously fake. Well, this isn't.

Little Bridger seems quite in command of his father's iPad as he swipes his way over to a drawing app when his dad suggests he draw a picture. He then navigates through the app to pick drawing tools and dinosaur stickers. Later in the video, he's shown using other apps. Next year, he'll be checking stock quotes and making trades.… Read more