Acceptance of Robot‐Mediated Teaching and Therapy for Children With Atypical Development by Polish Professionals

摘要

Abstract Technological innovations have resulted in the production of new, super‐high‐tech assistive robotic devices that improve the development of children with atypical development. The theoretical basis for this study was the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, which consists of four main constructs that directly determine user acceptance and user behavior: performance expectancy , effort expectancy , social influence , and facilitating conditions . The purpose of the study was to understand the rationale behind the acceptance of robot‐mediated teaching and therapy for children with atypical development by Polish professionals. Participants included 245 professionals recruited from the staff of special centers and schools for children with disabilities in the south of Poland. They were first presented with a video demonstration of the humanoid Nao robot and then given a 31‐item questionnaire that estimates UTAUT. Participants' attitudes towards using the Nao robot in teaching and therapy for children with atypical development were positive. However, these attitudes were found to be a weak albeit significant predictor of behavioral intention to use the Nao device. They were significantly predicted by social influence , effort expectancy , and performance expectancy . The results are discussed in the context of the general theoretical background and the latest findings related to professionals working with disabled children. Correlation and structural modeling analyses confirmed the applicability of the UTAUT model in education and care for children with disabilities. However, behavioral intention was weakly related to positive attitudes towards Nao robot in this Polish sample. Forthcoming questions follow the conclusions of the current study.