Educational robotics as learning tools within the teaching and learning practice

Abstract

The current study examines the integration of robotics as a learning tool (mindtool) in the teaching and learning process and its effectiveness in achieving specific learning objectives. Study's sample was twenty-one, 2 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">nd</sup> graders that attended eleven lessons, in October - November 2012. To achieve the above the educational robotics package Lego Mindstorms NXT was used. Case study methodology was employed and 3 data collection methods were used: reflective journals, classroom observations and an evaluation assignment. The students managed to easily build the robots and relatively easily program the robots. The study highlights robotics' effectiveness as a tool to develop students' knowledge and skills, and achieve specific learning objectives and its important role in developing student-centered environments.