Exploring the features of edutainment for Robot Assisted Instruction

This study is to explore the edutainment features of robot assisted instruction. The research question is whether a robot assisted instruction can be an edutainment for motivational enhancement. To answer this research question, first, four general feature-elements of edutainment were chosen from literature review: direct participation, level of cognitive information processing, two-way communication, and fun-type from each activity. Second, two cases of robot assisted instruction were selected and their videos were analyzed: A case was for 3rd grade, and B case was for 1st grade elementary students. Third, participants in each instruction were interviewed. The results showed that robot assisted instruction provide opportunities of direct involvement, help learners process information cognitively, allow two-way communiction/transaction, and have learners enjoy their learning activities in four ways. It was concluded that robot assisted instruction can be an edutainment and suggestions were provided for further research regarding the use of robots for instruction.