Peer-reviewed article
Educational robotics and STEAM in early childhood education
Dimitra Chaldi, Garyfalia Mantzanidou, Kindergarten of Drepano, Koimiseos Theotokou, Drepano, Greece ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined how educational robotics using Bee-Bot® can support STEAM learning in kindergarten children aged 5-6 years. Twelve children participated in an intensive 16-session robotics lab over 4 weeks, combining programming, algorithmic thinking, and communication skill development through playful learning. The research shows that STEAM education can be effectively delivered in early childhood settings, including speech therapy clinics, using programmable robots.
Key points
- Twelve children aged 5-6 years participated in 16 sessions of educational robotics over 4 weeks
- Children developed knowledge in programming, computerization, and algorithmic thinking through playful learning with Bee-Bot®
- STEAM education using educational robots improved communication skills and vocabulary development
- Educational robotics can be delivered in speech therapy clinics as well as traditional classroom settings
Limitations
The study involved a small sample of only 12 children with no comparison or control group, making it difficult to determine whether observed improvements were due to the robotics intervention or other factors. The document does not provide detailed information about the measurement methods or effect sizes.
Abstract
The interest in the future configuration, focusing on the innovative technologies and more specifically on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), is remarkably increased. The value of STEAM education is undeniable as a means of developing basic skills and competencies of young students improving the learning process, developing communication skills, and solving real-life difficulties. The current research study was completed in the context of an actual learning process, with the view to study educational robotics in kindergarten students to engage them with STEAM education, using the programmable robot Bee-Bot® initially. The didactic intervention was held, which was developed in two phases. More specifically, a sample of 12 children (age range: 5–6 years old) took part in an intensive educational robotics lab for 16 sessions (4 weeks) by using a bee-shaped robot called Bee-Bot®. The results of our current research study revealed that STEAM education could also take place in a speech therapy clinic using the appropriate educational robots. Our young students developed and mastered knowledge in programming and computerizing, and algorithmic thinking with playful mod using educational robots, and they also built their vocabulary and develop communication skills.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Educational robotics lab using Bee-Bot® programmable robot, delivered over 16 sessions across 4 weeks combining playful learning approaches
- Population
- Kindergarten children aged 5-6 years (n=12)
Key finding
Young students developed and mastered knowledge in programming and computerization through the robotics intervention