On the Development of Robotic Enhanced Learning Environments

Educational robotics are learning and teaching tools which can effectively promote exploratory learning and investigative work within several disciplines as Science, Technology and Design, Mathematics. The potential of these technologies can be developed within a learner-centered environment based on the constructivist approach. Besides building and programming autonomous robots is an ideal context to situate a project-based learning experience where learners work collaboratively to understand the problem, propose viable solutions and construct their artifacts. In this paper we propose a methodology for developing robotic enhanced projects that promote students’ active involvement and knowledge construction. We also present indicative incidents from the implementation of a project in a real school environment. Preliminary evaluation results provide evidence on the educational potential of robotics and the effectiveness of the methodology in the development of a learning environment where learners are actively involved constructing meaningful artifacts.