The symbiotic relationship between educational robotics and computer science in formal education

• DOI: 10.1007/s10639-021-10494-3
• Publication Date: 2021-04-04T08:02:26Z
• Authors: Laila El-Hamamsy; Barbara Bruno; Frédérique Chesse...; Morgane Chevalier; Didier Roy; Jessica Dehler Zu...; Francesco Mondada
• Keywords: Outreach; Educational Robotics; Formal education

Educational Robotics (ER) has the potential to provide significant benefits education, provided an increase in outreach by transitioning from extra-curricular initiatives which ER thrived formal education. As Computer Science (CS) Education is undergoing curricular reforms worldwide, present study addresses case of a Digital reform that included as means teach core CS concepts. Approximately 350 teachers first four grades primary school participated mandatory two-year continuing professional development (CPD) program. The year program was dedicated and introduced Unplugged (CSU) (RU) activities. such, we analyse interplay between these activities focus on teachers' voluntary adoption proposed content classrooms. This complemented analysis their perception recommendation ER. findings highlight three main points. Firstly, integration CPD, this provides necessary traction introduce into teacher practices (the freely devoted 2275 h classrooms, over two years). Secondly, presence CS-CPD allows higher proportion adopt content, there are favour one type activity other. Finally, globally positive registered relevant for reasons: were not voluntarily participating results did differ pioneers novices.