Skilling Students in ICT using Long-Distance Controlled Robots over the Internet in a Blended Learning Setting

Abstract

This paper is about the use of a long- distance controlled robot system (LDCR) by learners working in a blended learning setting. We describe an interactive robotic project that was the result of an international collaboration between an Australian school of distance education and a Japanese technical college. After citing research findings about the use of the system across multiple curriculum areas we identify the technological and pedagogical challenges encountered during the project and quantify significant gains for students, teachers and the wider school community. The paper concludes that long-distance controlled robot systems can be successfully integrated into blended teaching and learning paradigms and that this is a potential educational imperative for 21st Century students and teachers.