Blocks to Robots: Learning with Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: early childhood classroom, classroom procedure, classroom management, Using Robotic Manipulatives, Tufts University, Freedom Trail (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

''An ideal book for those educators who question why and how technology should be used with our youngest learners. The author not only gives persuasive reasons for how robotics helps students develop key STEM and socio-emotional skills, but also leaves the reader with a plethora of resources to begin his or her own journey with technology in the early childhood classroom.'' --Teachers College Record, February 2008&

''An ideal book for those educators who question why and how technology should be used with our youngest learners. The author not only gives persuasive reasons for how robotics helps students develop key STEM and socio-emotional skills, but also leaves the reader with a plethora of resources to begin his or her own journey with technology in the early childhood classroom.'' --Teachers College Record, February 2008

''Bers shows how to use LEGO robots in the early childhood classroom to allow children to explore complex concepts in a concrete and fun way.'' --BOOK NEWS, Inc., February 2008

''This book beautifully exemplifies constructionist pedagogy and practical applications to the classroom. Robotic blocks have become a new tool of mind for thinking about thinking, as will this book itself. --George E. Forman, Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, President, Videatives, Inc.

''Is it better for young children to play with wooden building blocks or new electronic toys? Marina Bers cuts through this false dichotomy, presenting a compelling framework for using new technologies that builds upon the rich tradition of manipulative materials while opening exciting new learning opportunities. --Mitchel Resnick, Professor of Learning Research, MIT Media Lab

''With today's blogs and bytes, white boards and Web sites, Bers offers early childhood teachers a wealth of knowledge. So blow the dust off the unit blocks. This book gives them new dimension.''

--Dimensions of Early Childhood, Spring/Summer 2008, Volume 36, Number 2&

''Is it better for young children to play with wooden building blocks or new electronic toys? Marina Bers cuts through this false dichotomy, presenting a compelling framework for using new technologies that builds upon the rich tradition of manipulative materials while opening exciting new learning opportunities.'' --Mitchel Resnick, Professor of Learning Research, MIT Media Lab

''Bers does a marvellous job of establishing practical and theoretical frameworks for using robotics in early childhood education in a thoughtful, varied, and accessible way. Pre-service and in-service teachers alike will find this book to be an accessible read, and a book that can be used as both a reference guide and springboard to including robotics in their own classrooms.'' --E-Learning, Vol.6, No.1 2009

Is it better for young children to play with wooden building blocks or new electronic toys? Marina Bers cuts through this false dichotomy, presenting a compelling framework for using new technologies that builds upon the rich tradition of manipulative materials while opening exciting new learning opportunities. --Mitchel Resnick, Professor of Learning Research, MIT Media Lab

Product Description

''I believe that this is a seminal work. Marina Bers has provided both teachers and researchers with many new vistas onto the domain of early childhood teaching and research.'' -- From the Foreword by David Elkind, Tufts University

''This book beautifully exemplifies constructionist pedagogy and practical applications to the classroom. Robotic blocks have become a new tool of mind for thinking about thinking, as will this book itself.'' -- George E. Forman, Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, President, Videatives, Inc.

''Is it better for young children to play with wooden building blocks or new electronic toys? Marina Bers cuts through this false dichotomy, presenting a compelling framework for using new technologies that builds upon the rich tradition of manipulative materials while opening exciting new learning opportunities.'' -- Mitchel Resnick, Professor of Learning Research, MIT Media Lab

Research shows that attitudes about science, math, and technology start to form during the early schooling years. This pioneering book shows how to successfully use technology in the early childhood classroom. Grounded in a constructivist approach to teaching and learning, the author focuses on robotic manipulatives that allow children to explore complex concepts in a concrete and fun way. At the same time, she examines how this technology engages sensorimotor and socioemotional skills, which are fundamental for the healthy development of young children.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Teachers College Press (October 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807748471
• ISBN-13: 978-0807748473
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #506,448 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, April 14, 2008

By	C. Zimmerman (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a computer science teacher in a K-8 school in California. I also teach Lego Engineering. I found this book to be a great resource. It inspired me to try using the RCX kits with the kindergarten class. I was amazed at the results. Thank You.