The Edutopia Poll

by Sara Ring

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Once relegated to the world of science fiction, robots are now a reality in education. Across the country, students are entering robotics competitions in which they design, create, and manipulate their machines. In a recent experiment on how humans and robots interact, researchers used a robot named Rubi as a teaching assistant in a San Diego nursery school. Additionally, by studying robots, kids learn a variety of things, from math and engineering skills to how people use robots in real-world applications. But some worry about the potentially negative influence of "artificially intelligent" beings in education. Robots, they say, lack the experience, understanding, and emotional commitment of human beings. Are robots in class a learning opportunity or an indication of a mechanical future? Tell us what you think!

Do robots have a place in the classroom?

Yes. Robots are becoming valuable teaching tools that we should use whenever possible.

Maybe. Although robots are good for teaching certain specific lessons, their usefulness is limited and they should play a small role in education.

No. Introducing robots into the classroom is a slippery slope. Robotic teaching assistants could remove the human touch from education.

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