Pre-service teachers’ perceptions towards integrating educational robotics in the primary school

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the impact of a training program on 19 pre-service primary school teachers’ perceptions towards educational robotics (ER). The training program is based on a reflective process of design and implementation of a learning scenario during the practicum, using a pre-experimental design. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire applied at three moments of the intervention: pre-intervention, post-intervention 1 (19 weeks after), and post-intervention 2 (37 weeks after). The results show that the features of the proposed training program positively influenced the pre-service teachers’ (PST) perceptions towards ER. Experiencing curricular integration of ER and participation in a reflective process of learning scenario design positively influenced their perceptions in post-intervention 1. After experiencing the integration of ER in the practicum class, PST adjusted their positive perceptions in post-intervention 2. PST also displayed a decrease in neutrality in their perceptions in post-intervention 1 and post-intervention 2. Given the limited sample, it’s not possible to generalize these results, however they have implications for initial teacher training programs dedicated to technology integration. PST must be allowed to confront their preconceived perceptions of integrating technology into teaching and learning processes with the reflective process of designing and implementing a lesson plan that integrates technology during the practicum.