An Open eLearning Platform for Robotics Training (OpenPLeRobot Project)

Abstract

In Greece, educational robotics does not have the impact observed in other countries, mainly because of the limited number of structures that offer educational robotics courses, the cost of participation, the cost of robotic packages and the lack of time of young students combined with the inability to move independently. OpenPLeRobot project promotes development of innovative product of eLearning open platform for Robotics Training, with experimental learning procedures and promotes the idea of an integrated robotics toolbox of education and training, based upon innovative ICT tools, that simulates robotics applications in virtual reality environment, supported with robotics training equipment and ICT toolkits. OpenPLeRobot project is designed to support communication of trainers and trainees of robotics, through synchronous and asynchronous e-learning educational environment, in pre -school and school children and performs as a prototype robotics laboratory that stimulates creative robotics constructions and motivates computational logic in education. As a result this project has positive results at all levels of the educational process, and providing skills (teaching becomes more effective), motivation (the conscious and unconscious factors are enhanced), readiness (helps to build an adequate background of experiences), experience (enhances experience), adaptation (improves the ability of the individual to live harmoniously) and health (contributes to the proper normal physical health, but also to his mental health).