The impact of humanoid robots on students' computational thinking

The aim of the study was to understand the impact of humanoid robots on student learning, the integration of the robots into the curriculum and the pedagogical approaches that enhance and extend student learning. This research is part of a larger three-year study and draws on questionnaires, interviews and journals from teachers. Collected data were triangulated to determine how the humanoid robots were utilised in the classroom and recurring themes were documented. The research findings are presented in a thematic style and provide an insight into the educational benefits of using humanoid robots. This paper will introduce the 4plus4 Model that describes deep student learning when an innovative technology such as humanoid robots is integrated into a revised pedagogy. The preliminary findings focus on the 4plus4 Model that represent a richer understanding of the deep student learning and this deep learning is evident across a range of contexts from early childhood through to secondary.

[1]  Aaron Simon Blicblau,et al.  Beyond traditional literacy: Learning and transformative practices using ICT , 2014, Education and Information Technologies.

[2]  Yuxin Ma,et al.  Acquisition of Physics Content Knowledge and Scientific Inquiry Skills in a Robotics Summer Camp , 2007 .

[3]  Jean Piaget,et al.  To Understand is to Invent: The Future of Education , 1973 .

[4]  D. Caulley Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theories and methods , 2007 .

[5]  Robert E. Stake,et al.  Multiple Case Study Analysis , 2005 .

[6]  Alexander Hofmann,et al.  Robotics in Education Initiatives in Europe - Status, Shortcomings and Open Questions , 2010 .

[7]  Richard E. Boyatzis,et al.  Transforming Qualitative Information: Thematic Analysis and Code Development , 1998 .

[8]  Juhani Vaivio,et al.  Interviews – Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing , 2012 .

[9]  Seymour Papert,et al.  Mindstorms: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas , 1981 .

[10]  M. Fullan,et al.  Towards a New End: New Pedagogies for Deep Learning , 2013 .

[11]  L. Vygotsky,et al.  Thought and Language , 1963 .

[12]  Svein Sjøberg,et al.  Constructivism and Learning , 2010 .

[13]  J. Gillard,et al.  Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. , 2008 .

[14]  R. Stake The art of case study research , 1995 .

[15]  Jeannette M. Wing Computational thinking and thinking about computing , 2008, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences.

[16]  Yongyan Li,et al.  Case study research in education , 2010 .

[17]  J. H. Frey,et al.  The Interview: From Structured Questions to Negotiated Text , 2000 .

[18]  Tiffany A. Koszalka Reflection as a Critical Component of the Technology Adoption Process. ERIC Digest. , 2003 .

[19]  G. Winship Case Study Research in Practice , 2010 .

[20]  Ruth V. Small,et al.  Curiosity, interest and engagement in technology-pervasive learning environments: a new research agenda , 2011 .

[21]  Aman Yadav,et al.  Computational Thinking in Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education , 2014, ACM Trans. Comput. Educ..