Brechtje Jansen

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Brechtje Jansen investigates the intersection of social robotics and education, with a particular focus on language learning and the ethical implications of deploying robots in primary schools. Her work addresses urgent challenges in modern education, such as teacher shortages and the integration of migrant children, by exploring how social robots can support second language acquisition. In her most cited study (66 citations), she demonstrates that robots can enhance performance, engagement, and enjoyment compared to tablets, offering a promising tool for relieving pressure on educators. Jansen also pioneers critical discussions on the moral dimensions of educational technology, as seen in her value-sensitive analysis of parental perspectives (14 citations), which highlights the need to align robot design with family values. Her cross-cultural research comparing Eastern and Western newspaper coverage reveals that societies like China and Japan are more optimistic about social robots, challenging assumptions about global acceptance. By combining empirical studies with ethical inquiry, Jansen provides a nuanced understanding of how robots can be responsibly integrated into classrooms, making her a key voice in human-robot interaction and educational innovation.