'Mr Microchips' proves popular in S.Korean schools

And programmable electronic devices resembling robots, which teach maths, science and art, were used in 10 Seoul schools for five weeks from November.
The researchers found that the English-teaching robots helped raise interest in the language and boosted the confidence of students.
"Tele-presence" robots are controlled remotely by an English teacher and are equipped with a microphone and video camera. Autonomous units use voice-recognition software to interact with children.
The government has expressed interest in robots to give rural school children more learning opportunities.
"The machines spurred creativity and had a positive influence on the attitude of students," a ministry official told Yonhap news agency.
Officials in charge of the project are working to improve the quality of robot teaching and iron out glitches before any decision to expand their use.
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