Educational Robotics as Mindtools

Abstract

Abstract. This work proposes educational robotics as a mindtool based on the constructivist – constructionist theoretical model. Although there are many studies on the constructionist use of educational robotics, they have certain limitations. Some of them refer to robotics education and not to educational robotics. Others follow a constructionist approach, but give emphasis only on design skills, creativity and collaboration. Finally, a few studies use robotics as an educational tool in engineering education, science and programming learning implying mindtools, but they do not give evidence of mindtools characteristics. The positive learning results from our two case studies on physics and programming learning indicate that educational robotics can be used as mindtools supporting knowledge construction through the design of meaningful authentic projects, learning by doing in the virtual and real world, cognitive conflict and learning by reflection and collaboration.