Utilization of Robotics in Higher Education

Abstract

The use of technology in the classroom has evolved from the most primitive to the widespread use of personal computers. One of the trends in technological advancements to enter the classroom is the use of robotics. The relationship between robotics and education spans many years. This paper details Papert’s Constructionism theory defining learning as being more ef-fective when students are “constructing ” or “doing ” activities that are personally meaningful. Research includes assessment of experiences of this method of teaching Information Technol-ogy through robotics at such institutions as West Point, Reykjavik University and University of South Florida. Based on the experiences reported at the various institutions, authors conclude with recommendations to Bryant College as the college launches an integration of the utiliza-tion of robotic components into the Information Technology curriculum to more effectively in-troduce students to Information Technology concepts.