USING KITT TO SUPPORT LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
As the content on each Kitt can be curated by
the teacher or individual child, Kitt is the perfect
way to scaffold learning with one universal
resource. Children can interact and work with
Kitt to create their own videos, photos or audio
files that will support them through the learning
process, help them to build effective learning
skills or allow them to capture and record their
learning. In addition, adults have the opportunity
to upload files onto Kitt that children can access
independently to differentiate and support learning
and promote wellbeing.
In this guide, we explore the features that make
Kitt inclusive and accessible and the different ways that Kitt can be used to support learners
with SEND.
KITT’S FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES
INCLUSIVITY LIES AT THE HEART OF KITT’S DESIGN.
With many different functions and features that can be tailored and personalised, such as vibration and voice prompts, Kitt becomes an accessible learning companion for children across a spectrum of needs.
Photographs, Audio and Videos
Children can use Kitt to take photographs or record videos and audio. They can capture their learning, record reminders and prompts or share their thoughts. As these are stored on Kitt, children can revisit and review them independently and share their recordings to showcase their learning.
By plugging Kitt into a computer, adults can easily upload files that can also be listened to or viewed on Kitt. These could be supportive learning resources, such as reminders, audiobooks, explanations, modelled examples, wellbeing prompts or a learning stimulus. Individual resources can be chosen and specifically shared to scaffold and differentiate an individual child’s learning.
With many different functions and features that can be tailored and personalised, such as vibration and voice prompts, Kitt becomes an accessible learning companion for children across a spectrum of needs.
Voice Prompts with Double Touch
Within Kitt’s menu there is the option to turn voice prompts on or off. When voice prompts are on, Kitt will read the name of the button when it is touched and read the names of the menu options as you scroll through. This will also activate a double touch function which will allow children to hear their selection with one press and select with the next.
Vibration
From the menu, Kitt’s vibration feature can be turned on or off. When it is turned on, Kitt will vibrate to offer sensory feedback when stroked, lifted up or when buttons are touched.
Screen Brightness
Kitt’s screen can be set at three different levels of brightness.
Timer
Kitt’s timer can be easily set within the menu allowing children to monitor and plan their own learning time.
Alarm Clock
Children can set their own alarms for key routines during the day to help build independence.
Volume
Kitt’s volume can be easily changed, depending on the sensory preference of the child or the noise level of the learning environment.
COMPANIONSHIP FEATURES
Kitt also has a number of companionship features that help children to build a relationship with Kitt. Educational research shows that children’s engagement levels are higher when working with a humanoid robot rather than on a screen.
These companionship features include:
Kitt Waking Up and Getting Sleepy
When switched on, Kitt will greet children by saying “I’m just waking up. Let’s go.”
Kitt will let children know when it is time for a battery charge by saying “I’m getting a little bit sleepy”. Kitt’s tummy will also turn blue.
Kitt’s Eyes
Kitt’s eyes will move and change to show engagement when listening to a child. Kitt has lots of different eye animations to observe, for example when stroked.
Light
Kitt will respond when the light gets brighter by putting on a pair of sunglasses. This feature can be adjusted in the menu.
Stroked, Picked Up and Cuddled
Kitt responds to being stroked, picked up and cuddled by changing colour and through different eye animations.
Dressing Kitt
There are little magnets inside that allow Kitt to be dressed so that children can ‘look after’ their robot, for example a coat to go home or pyjamas for bedtime.
Play Mode
Selecting the play mode will disable the touch buttons so that children can freely enjoy playing with and dressing up Kitt.
Blended Learning
Kitt can safely travel home with your learners to support learning both inside and outside of school.
All of Kitt’s recordings can be accessed, watched, listened to and deleted on Kitt, and as a non-connected device, parents can be reassured that no information is being shared with an inaccessible location
Personalised Learning
Every child can have their own personalised learning experience with Kitt.
If children have their own Kitt, adults can collate and share personalised learning resources and activities that can both support children to make progress towards specific SEN outcomes and also help to differentiate and scaffold classroom learning. Through having their own robot, children will build a rapport with their Kitt and will have individual access to the resources and functions available, such as the timer.
Supporting SEND learners
In this section, we explore different ways that Kitt can support learning across the curriculum, help children to develop their learning skills, support wellbeing and facilitate learning beyond the classroom.
As children and adults spend more time with Kitt, they will find many more possibilities for ways to work with their personal learning companion.
Building Independence and Confidence
Organisational Skills and Routines
Modelling and Practising
Recording Learning
Attention and Concentration
Motivation
Memory
Language and Communication
Emotional and Wellbeing Support
