Technologies for an inclusive robotics education.

Area of Science:

• Interactive Robotics
• Educational Technology
• Inclusive Education

Background:

• The H2020 INBOTS project (2018-21) focused on interactive robotics acceptance and uptake.
• Educational robotics aims to benefit all children, irrespective of their future paths.
• A paradigm shift is needed for inclusive robotics education, integrating constructionism and the maker movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address challenges in current robotics education technologies.
• To define criteria for hardware and software supporting inclusive and creative robotics education.
• To identify and evaluate technologies that enable this new educational paradigm.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing robotics education technologies.
• Development of specific criteria for inclusive educational robotics hardware and software.
• Review and discussion of representative technologies against established criteria.

Main Results:

• Specific criteria for robotics technologies to foster inclusive and creative learning were established.
• A review identified current hardware and software solutions in educational robotics.
• Exemplary technological solutions supporting the INBOTS paradigm were discussed.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate curricula and technologies are essential for realizing inclusive robotics education.
• The defined criteria provide a framework for selecting and developing supportive technologies.
• Combining specific technologies can facilitate creative and inclusive robotics projects for all learners.