Kitt the Learning Companion

Kitt the Learning Companion

Kitt is a versatile, cross-curricular companion robot for the classroom.

Kitt enables learners to work independently, engaging with the robot to gather evidence of progress. Teachers can differentiate effectively using Kitt by personalising the resources on each device.

Inclusivity and accessibility is at the heart of Kitt’s design. Teachers are able to customise each Kitt to the needs of his user through, adjustment of volume and brightness, full control of haptic feedback and utilisation of voice prompts. Kitt includes a braille cell on the centre button for ease of use. Kitt behaves like a Flash memory stick. When connected to a computer, either via USB cable (provided) or docking station, teachers can drag and drop audio, video and image files directly onto the robot. These can then be viewed and/or listen too, using the controls on Kitt’s tummy.

Audio recording – learners can record an audio response directly to Kitt, during the recording Kitt’s eyes will engage with and motivate the learner. Once the recording has finished, learners can listen back and if necessary, erase the recording and start again. This could be reading a book or providing verbal answers to questions. Photograph – learners can complete their work by hand (crafting, painting, writing in a book or a mini whiteboard etc.) and use Kitt to photograph their work. When the photo mode is selected, Kitt will count down 3,2,1 and mirror the camera in his display – to allow the user to make sure everything is in frame. Images can be viewed and deleted if necessary using Kitts menu. Video recording – If the activity is more dynamic, such as playing an instrument, performing a dance routine, completing a science experiment or if the learner needs to “show and tell”, a video recording may be more appropriate. When learners select to record a video, Kitt will count down 3,2,1 and mirror the video recording in his screen for the benefit of the user. Recorded videos can be accessed, viewed and deleted through Kitt’s menu options.