Enhancing K12 Education with Intelligent and Assistive Robots: Exploring Student Learning Experience
摘要
The rapid advancement of technology has highlighted the importance of computer science (CS) and computational thinking (CT) skills for problem-solving and logical reasoning across disciplines. Introducing these concepts early is crucial, but traditional methods often struggle to effectively teach young learners, particularly those with disabilities. Assistive robots, such as Buddy and Marty, offer innovative solutions to these challenges. Marty, a programmable humanoid robot, uses physical expressiveness and interactive capabilities to make coding tangible, with support for block-based and text-based programming languages. Buddy, an emotional AI-powered robot, adapts to students’ needs, engaging them through activities that foster emotion management, motor skills, and inclusive education. This research focuses on developing an accessible application that integrates both Buddy and Marty, tailored for primary school students. By combining Marty’s physical interactivity and Buddy’s emotional intelligence, the study aims to create a comprehensive learning environment that enhances motivation, creativity, and engagement in CS education. Through this approach, we explore how assistive robots can bridge the gap between abstract concepts and interactive experiences, fostering inclusivity and personal development. This study aspires to demonstrate how technology can empower all students to thrive in a digital world.