[nabs-l] My Latest Project

[Vanna Song]

Hi Kelly,

would you like your project to be featured in an issue of a biweekly
newsletter of one of my former host organizations that deals with
inclusion of all types including disability?

Vanna

On 8/21/17, Kelly via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Chris:
>      Based on Disney's Wallie, Cozmo is a small robot that resembles a model
> car, with tank treads and a tiny, front-mounted forklift.
>      Although it was originally designed as a STEM toy for young children,
> its manufacturer (Anki), has recently expanded the product's capabilities.
> Specifically, the Cozmo app now includes a code lab, which is used to
> program the robot to talk, recognize faces, and search for and interact with
> objects.  The code lab offers a simple introduction to programming, but the
> real educational value is in Cozmo's SDK (software development kit).
> Through the combined use of the app and SDK, students can learn and practice
> the Python programming language.
>      Since Cozmo is relatively new, there is not a lot of widespread
> classroom use as of now.  However, several universities have begun to
> integrate the robot into their computer science classes.
>      Personally, I care about this issue because STEM learning robots are
> the future of computer science education for students of all ages.  By
> working to make this software accessible, we could set an example for other
> companies now so that we can all use similar tools in the future.
> Here is an article about Cozmo's SDK that you may find useful, as well as
> Cozmo's home page:
> 1.
> https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/version-1468272030-2/amp/
> 2. https://anki.com/en-us/cozmo
>
> Thank you very much for your interest!  Please feel free to contact me again
> if you have any additional questions.
> Kelly
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Aug 17, 2017, at 23:02, Chris Nusbaum via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Kelly:
>>
>> Could you tell us a little more about what this Cosmo Robot does and what
>> it
>> is used for in the context of STEM education? I would also be curious to
>> know if anyone has actually used this program in the classroom and, if
>> so,
>> what experiences you have had. Perhaps this is something which needs
>> attention from NABS or the Federation, but I think we would need to know
>> some further information before we get behind a petition or campaign.
>>
>> Thank you for your efforts to increase accessibility in the STEM fields!
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kelly via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2017 1:30 AM
>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Kelly <yllekann at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [nabs-l] My Latest Project
>>
>>>> Hello, everyone,
>>>>>>     Recently, one of my friends discovered an amazing computer
>> programming learning tool developed by Anki, called the Cozmo robot.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>     We were excited of course (the robot is very fun to play with
>> after all, and we have always wanted to learn computer programming), but
>> when we downloaded the app that is used to control it, we were dismayed
>> and
>> frustrated to find that it is totally inaccessible with VoiceOver.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>     We then wrote to Anki customer care to inform them of the issue,
>> and received a form letter giving no indication that they had read or
>> processed our email.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>     So we drafted this petition in hopes that, if we gather enough
>> support, the developers will realize that accessibility is a concern
>> which
>> must be taken seriously.  We did this not just for the many blind and
>> visually impaired people who could be enjoying and learning from the
>> Cozmo
>> application and others like it, but also for all app developers, so that
>> they may understand the barriers created by inaccessible software.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>     If you support STEM education and learning opportunities for the
>> blind, accessible software development, and/or equal opportunities for
>> all
>> children to learn programming, we invite you to sign our petition by
>> clicking the link below or simply copying and pasting the URL into your
>> address bar, then filling out the form.  Your information will be kept
>> private and is only used by change.org .
>> https://www.change.org/p/anki-make-stem-education-through-the-cozmo-app-acce
>> ssible-to-all
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you in advance for your support of our project!
>>>>>> Kelly
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