The Impact of Educational Robotics on Student STEM Learning, Attitudes, and Workplace Skills

Abstract

This chapter discusses findings from a National Science Foundation (NSF) project funded by the Innovative Technologies Experiences for Student and Teachers (ITEST) program. The project has an ongoing research agenda focusing on the impact of robotics summer camps and competitions targeted at middle school youth. The research focused on the impact of the interventions on youth a) learning of computer programming, mathematics, and engineering concepts, b) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) attitudes, c) workplace skills, and d) STEM career interest. Results show that robotics camps and competitions appear to be viable strategies to increase student STEM learning, robotics self-efficacy, and problem solving skills.