Using Robots with Storytelling and Drama Activities in Science Education

Abstract

Storytelling and drama are well-known teaching tools that can be used throughout the curriculum for the active participation of students in their own learning process. The introduction of robots in storytelling and drama activities provides students with a meaningful, multisensory, hands-on learning experience. This paper explores the potential and challenges of using storytelling and drama activities with robot actors in science teaching. We present the lessons learned from two experiences of storytelling and drama activities with robots in science education. Observations revealed that this approach facilitates the development of science concepts, creates a rich context to foster skills in students, creates a positive classroom environment, and improves the students’ attention and motivation. Finally, it was identified that there is a need to design low-cost expressive actor robots that are easily customizable. Additionally, the need to develop multi-robot programming interfaces that facilitate the creation of scripts for robots and their programming is also shown.