Speaker: Melisa Orta Martinez, Assistant Professor of the Robotics Institute, Social Haptics Robotics and Education (SHRED) Laboratory, and Courtesy Appointment in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University

Title: From Haptic Devices to Interactive Machines: Using Robotics to Help Students Ground Abstract Mathematical Concepts

Date: Wednesday, May 22 at 4:15 PM

Location: Tech ME B211 and Zoom

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/CRBSeminar

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Abstract:

Math is often presented as an abstract, procedural discipline in which both teacher and student have a firm belief that proficiency is due to fixed innate ability. Studies have shown however, that most students are capable of excelling in and enjoying math given the opportunity to do so by being presented with creative, varied, and interactive learning experiences and a growth mindset. In this talk, we present novel robotic systems designed for educational applications which, inspired by a constructionist framework, help students ground abstract mathematical concepts. The first is a haptic-supported learning environment that uses force feedback to help users make connections between different representations of trigonometric functions. The second is an interactive haptic interface which ties mathematical ideas through body syntonicity. Lastly, we present a robotic loom which takes advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of weaving to ground abstract mathematical concepts in a concrete and embodied art, view this art through an engineering lens, and integrate hands-on interdisciplinary learning into mathematics curricula.

Bio:

Melisa Orta Martinez is an assistant professor in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, where she leads the Social Haptics Robotics and Education (SHRED) Laboratory.

Her research combines the areas of robotics, haptics, human-computer interaction, and education. Her main areas of focus and interest are developing low-cost, open-source robotic technology for educational applications and understanding the effects of this technology on learning, as well as studying the sense of touch and developing novel mechanisms for human-machine interaction.