Work in Progress: A Virtual Educational Robotics Coding Club Framework to Improve K-6 Students Emotional Engagement in STEM

Kate Darmody, Julie Booth, Josephine Bleach, Pramod Pathak, Paul Stynes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Educational robots allow students deepen their knowledge of mathematics and scientific concepts. Educational Robotic coding clubs provide a learning environment for K-6 students that promotes coding through STEM digital literacy. Students in educationally disadvantaged families may not have the educational and financial capital to engage in STEM learning. Closures of schools and afterschool services during the COVID-19 pandemic increased this digital divide. This research proposes a framework for delivering a virtual robotic coding club in an educationally disadvantaged community. The framework develops young people's emotional engagement in STEM through robotic coding. Synchronous online classes were delivered into family homes using Zoom. Results demonstrate that children achieved emotional engagement as reported through high levels of enjoyment and increased interest after participating in the programme. The research shows promise in increasing children's STEM skills and knowledge, and in improving positive attitudes towards STEM for children and parents.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEDUNINE 2023 - 7th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference
Subtitle of host publicationReimaging Engineering - Toward the Next Generation of Engineering Education, Merging Technologies in a Connected World, Proceedings
EditorsClaudio da Rocha Brito, Melany M. Ciampi
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9798350320503
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event7th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference, EDUNINE 2023 - Bogota, Colombia
Duration: 12 Mar 202315 Mar 2023

Publication series

NameEDUNINE 2023 - 7th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference: Reimaging Engineering - Toward the Next Generation of Engineering Education, Merging Technologies in a Connected World, Proceedings

Conference

Conference7th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference, EDUNINE 2023
Country/TerritoryColombia
CityBogota
Period12/03/2315/03/23

Keywords

  • action research
  • e-learning
  • emotional engagement
  • robotic coding
  • STEM

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