The impact of humanoid robots on students' computational thinking

Abstract

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.