Exploring the benefits of Educational Robots in STEM Learning: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The research interest in the use robotics for education purposes has increased greatly in the last few years. However, no much consideration has been made to the benefits that the robots have in delivering content in STEM education. Educational robots have been used to support learning of STEM subjects but in the informal learning environment at different levels of education. This review assesses benefits of use of educational robots in teaching of these subjects to learners’ attitude towards the subjects and problem solving skills. In this research 25 papers were selected for the purpose of review through a process of search and review. The papers selected were analyzed based on similarity in their findings and mainly on the benefits educational robot activities towards teaching and learning of STEM subjects. The review reveals that robotic activities employed in education play an important role in enhancing STEM interest and also promoting problem solving skills. These benefits are greater to primary school learners than primary school learners and are realized greatly when the duration of experiment is not extended for longer durations. From the review it was noted that the robots have a greater impact in boys than in girls. The robots being multidisciplinary in nature can be utilized in teaching various subjects at different levels of education. The conclusions of this review will be useful as reference for future research in this field of study.