Learning to program a humanoid robot: impacts on special education secondary-school students

Learning to program a humanoid robot: impacts on special education secondary-school students

• Julien Bugmann, Université de Montréal, Canada

• Thierry Karsenti, Université de Montréal, Canada

doi : https://dx.doi.org/10.18162/fp.2018.460

Résumé

Learning code is becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern society. In fact, computer programming has become an essential skill for all, especially children. The objective of this exploratory study is to understand the educational impacts associated with “learning to code” a humanoid robot. To achieve this goal, we used a great variety of data collection methods: video observation, interviews, etc. Aside from an increase in coding skills, several educational outcomes were observed in students, including increased motivation with respect to school and school-related activities; increased collaboration and teamwork; and so on.

Abstract

Learning code is becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern society. In fact, computer programming has become an essential skill for all, especially children. The objective of this exploratory study is to understand the educational impacts associated with “learning to code” a humanoid robot. To achieve this goal, we used a great variety of data collection methods: video observation, interviews, etc. Aside from an increase in coding skills, several educational outcomes were observed in students, including increased motivation with respect to school and school-related activities; increased collaboration and teamwork; and so on.