Richland 1 highlights RoboCon robots and student impacts in SEL program

Richland School District One showcased its RoboCon socially assistive robotics program during the March 12 board meeting, honoring teachers and demonstrating a classroom robot’s capabilities.

Dr. Lisa Kershaw and Office of Special Services staff described how the district’s work with RoboKind began in 2017 and has expanded to 29 robots across elementary schools. "You started with 1 robot in 2017 with a pilot through the South Carolina Department of Education. And since then, you have grown to 29 robots in each of your elementary schools," Dr. Kershaw told the board as she introduced a brief demonstration.

Mark Davis, a therapeutic counselor at Howard Hill Elementary, described using "Milo" with a student who had repeated disciplinary issues. "With the addition of Milo, our RoboCon robot, we have made great strides in his behavior, his attitude towards academics... now he's on honor roll," Davis said. Fifth-grader Quentin Burgess told the board the robot helped him learn manners, self-control, reading and math: "I love this robot because it has changed my life," he said.

Presenters said the program emphasizes social-emotional learning, communication and inclusive learning experiences for students with developmental and speech delays; they also announced a Robocon "Lunch and Learn" for seven districts on March 22 at Olympia to share best practices. The board thanked staff and recognized several teachers and staff across district schools for their RooCo n implementation and partnership awards.

The demonstration included the robot speaking and interacting with students, and administrators invited board members and the public to visit classrooms to see RoboCon in action. The presentation did not include cost details for individual robots when asked; the presenter said she would provide cost information on request.