Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance

This study presents the design and evaluation of a plush smart toy prototype for teaching geometry shapes to young children. The hardware design involves the integration of sensors, microcontrollers, an LCD screen, and a machine learning algorithm to enable gesture recognition by the toy. The machin...

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Main Authors: Lea Dujić Rodić, Ivo Stančić, Duje Čoko, Toni Perković, Andrina Granić
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-04-01
Series:Electronics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/8/1951
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author Lea Dujić Rodić
Ivo Stančić
Duje Čoko
Toni Perković
Andrina Granić
author_facet Lea Dujić Rodić
Ivo Stančić
Duje Čoko
Toni Perković
Andrina Granić
author_sort Lea Dujić Rodić
collection DOAJ
description This study presents the design and evaluation of a plush smart toy prototype for teaching geometry shapes to young children. The hardware design involves the integration of sensors, microcontrollers, an LCD screen, and a machine learning algorithm to enable gesture recognition by the toy. The machine learning algorithm detects whether the child’s gesture outline matches the shape displayed on the LCD screen. A pilot study was conducted with 14 preschool children to assess the usability and performance of the smart toy. The results indicate that the smart toy is easy to use, engages children in learning, and has the potential to be an effective educational tool for preschool children. The findings suggest that smart toys with machine learning algorithms can be used to enhance young children’s learning experiences in a fun and engaging way. This study highlights the importance of designing user-friendly toys that support children’s learning and underscores the potential of machine learning algorithms in developing effective educational toys.
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spelling doaj.art-d31a2b2632f24860a3d2ca975190251b2023-11-17T19:03:12ZengMDPI AGElectronics2079-92922023-04-01128195110.3390/electronics12081951Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and PerformanceLea Dujić Rodić0Ivo Stančić1Duje Čoko2Toni Perković3Andrina Granić4Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 32 Ruđera Boškovića, 21000 Split, CroatiaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 32 Ruđera Boškovića, 21000 Split, CroatiaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 32 Ruđera Boškovića, 21000 Split, CroatiaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 32 Ruđera Boškovića, 21000 Split, CroatiaFaculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000 Split, CroatiaThis study presents the design and evaluation of a plush smart toy prototype for teaching geometry shapes to young children. The hardware design involves the integration of sensors, microcontrollers, an LCD screen, and a machine learning algorithm to enable gesture recognition by the toy. The machine learning algorithm detects whether the child’s gesture outline matches the shape displayed on the LCD screen. A pilot study was conducted with 14 preschool children to assess the usability and performance of the smart toy. The results indicate that the smart toy is easy to use, engages children in learning, and has the potential to be an effective educational tool for preschool children. The findings suggest that smart toys with machine learning algorithms can be used to enhance young children’s learning experiences in a fun and engaging way. This study highlights the importance of designing user-friendly toys that support children’s learning and underscores the potential of machine learning algorithms in developing effective educational toys.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/8/1951IoTsmart toymachine learningearly childhood educationgeometryusability
spellingShingle Lea Dujić Rodić
Ivo Stančić
Duje Čoko
Toni Perković
Andrina Granić
Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance
Electronics
IoT
smart toy
machine learning
early childhood education
geometry
usability
title Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance
title_full Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance
title_fullStr Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance
title_full_unstemmed Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance
title_short Towards a Machine Learning Smart Toy Design for Early Childhood Geometry Education: Usability and Performance
title_sort towards a machine learning smart toy design for early childhood geometry education usability and performance
topic IoT
smart toy
machine learning
early childhood education
geometry
usability
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/8/1951
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