Our learning systems need to adapt with the advancing world. The current approach is still very traditional and cumbersome. Based on research, Henrik Hautop Lund discusses that disruptive playware engages users through free will to do tasks that would otherwise seem boring or redundant.

Schools are not good at teaching skills needed for the 21st century!”

This is because of following the traditional learning system without making changes to it. We have developed an image where there is “a split between the body and the brain.” Henrik says that once we learn to realize the union of these two entities as a wholesome one, we’ll reach a new frontier in learning and how to approach technology, like in robotics.

Learning Methods

Traditionally, robots have been large, heavy and dangerous to be around, with many being kept in restricted areas. This approach needs to be modernized and shifted to having small, lightweight and even portable robots. These are generally safer to be around, even though they have moving parts. If we import this approach into the industrial scale, we quickly see the benefits. You can “start production from your desk!” which is core in the realization of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

We have used LEGO robots to teach children how to design and develop programs without needing a lot of programming experience. The learning curve is not steep and anyone can build a working robot quite quickly with minimal and user-friendly systems.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Modular Robotics

Modular robots allow creativity to be engaged where the same blocks and electronic elements can be put together to make different robots with different functionalities. Shape Robotics is a company that works on consumer electronics. Their specialty being educational modular robots for learning 21st century skills, and connected toys.

We need to import this into other industries, for example, education and health. This is being tried using Moto Tiles with the objective to “bring happiness in life.”

Moto Tiles are light, compact and highly portable tiles that have LEDs and sensors, which you can program to behave according to your need. They have been tested to increase the balance and muscle strength of the old and frail, with huge success figures. These are being used for fall prevention through exercise and therapy. Health workers say, “they (the elderly) are playing; they forget they are training.” The users are visibly happy with the results and their progress.

Henrik thinks that with the popularization of 3D printing and development of new materials, there’s going to be a shift in the process of designing technology thus impacting our learning practices also.