Abstract:

Spatial ability is related to the knowledge and understanding of spatial concepts and relationships, the different ways in which we represent these concepts and relationships, and how we argue and draw conclusions about spatial information. Taking into consideration the integration of new technologies and real-time interconnected systems by means of remote lab activities, in this work, we propose a distant learning robotics system to study spacial perception of students. According to Gardner's theory, there are seven types of intelligence that can be measured by standard tests. These are: linguistic, logical - mathematical, music, physical - kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. The intelligence of a person as a whole, is measured by means of several skill levels of all kinds of intelligent coeficients. A man by nature, what perceives with naked eyes, his mind does not perceive it individually, but it associated its role in relation to the environment around it. According to Arnheim, informations related to the location of an object or object under consideration concerns: its location, size, distance, brightness, structure and its relation to space and time. Therefore, the ability to use space properties to solve a problem, either to describe the problem' solution as a function of the objects placement, is an important asset for science and in particular for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational approach, in which the development of hardware and models is a major aspect of the approach. Moreover, the assesment of a candidate potential to work in aviation industry, imposes a high degree of spatial perceptual abilities.

In this work, by designing, implementing and applying distant learning robotic tools, we focus on exploring the following issues:
1) We investigate the degree of contribution of the proposed distance learning device to students' spatial orientation, i.e. their ability to rotate objects in space.
2) We investigate the degree of contribution of the proposed mechanism to remotely test the perception of spatial correlations from various angles.
3) We explore the degree of virtual imaging, i.e. the ability to perceive and process 3D drawings.
4) We test and highlight the existing perceptions and reflections of students for a distant learning activity.
5) We explore the ability of students to understand the existence of events outside a specific environment.
6) We determin whether students are able to understand how to control different systems remotely.
7) We identify whether there is gender differentiation in relation to a distance learning activity.
8) We identify whether a distant learning mechanism differentiates the motivation for students to engage in scientific activities.

Keywords:

Spacial perception, Arduino Programming, LabVIEW, STEM, Distant learning, web 2.0.