Robot technology and numbers in the classroom

This paper explores how a cubic user-configurable modular robotic system can be used to support learning about numbers and how they are pronounced. The development is done in collaboration with a class of 7-8 year old children and their mathematics teacher. The tool is called Speakmath and it combines physical interaction, learning, and immediate feedback. Speakmath supports the children’s understanding of place value in the sense that it allows them to experiment and create large numbers. Surprisingly the children found it very fun to express very large numbers, and also made smalls contests about who could build the largest number. This made a close tie between learning goals, game play, and the core of Speakmath.