Robotics and Sensor Technology Education Using LEGO Mindstorms NXT

Abstract

We investigated the effectiveness of integrating LEGO Mindstorms NXT robot kits into adult education to enhance learning enthusiasm and cultivate key skills.Utilizing a curriculum focused on programming, mechanical structure, scientific capability, teamwork, and robotics and sensor technology understanding, we conducted a questionnaire survey before and after the course with 45 adult students.The results showed strong reliability and validity and significant improvements in students' perceptions of course content, teamwork, programming logic, scientific capabilities, and technology understanding.While mechanical structure showed less significant improvement, strong correlations among factors highlighted the integrated nature of robotics and sensor technology learning.Hands-on robotics education, particularly involving sensor technology, effectively enhanced logical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative skills, which are important in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.