DIGITAL LIBRARY
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF INTELLIGENT EDUCATIONAL ROBOTS IN ENHANCING PROGRAMMING SKILLS
Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Ecole Normale Supérieure (MOROCCO)
About this paper:
Appears in: EDULEARN24 Proceedings
Publication year: 2024
Pages: 10087-10094
ISBN: 978-84-09-62938-1
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2024.2433
Conference name: 16th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 1-3 July, 2024
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
The integration of Intelligent Educational Robots (IERs) in educational settings is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool for enhancing programming skills among students. In the realm of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the practical and interactive nature of IERs provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with complex concepts in a tangible and accessible way. IERs are equipped with advanced sensors, motors, and computational capabilities, allowing them to interact with the physical world in a manner that traditional educational tools cannot. This interaction enables students to see the immediate results of their programming efforts, fostering a deeper understanding of cause and effect, logic, and problem-solving.

This study aims to explore the impact of IERs on students' programming skills, with a focus on problem-solving, logical reasoning, and spatial awareness. By utilizing IERs to create dynamic mazes or obstacle courses, the study seeks to provide a hands-on learning experience that fosters engagement and deepens students' understanding of programming concepts. Through a quasi-experimental design, involving 60 students divided into two groups. The experimental group engages in programming activities using IERs to navigate through mazes generated based on classroom items. The control group participates in traditional programming activities without the use of IERs. Pre- and post-tests are administered to assess the students' programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of spatial concepts. The data collected is analyzed using statistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the IER-based learning approach. Preliminary results suggest that students in the experimental group demonstrate a significant improvement in their programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial awareness compared to the control group. The hands-on experience with IERs appears to enhance students' engagement and motivation, leading to a deeper understanding of programming principles.

The study indicates that the use of Intelligent Educational Robots in educational settings can have a positive impact on the development of programming skills among students. By providing an interactive and personalized learning experience, IERs hold the potential to revolutionize the approach to teaching programming in STEM education.
Keywords:
Intelligent Educational Robots, Interactive Learning, STEM Education, Educational Technology.