Educational Robotics and the Gender Perspective

Abstract

Abstract In this paper we explore the role of stereotypes in educational choices. Data on secondary school enrollments show that girls are abandoning STEM subjects. There are many reasons for this, including social and family expectations, but also the perception that jobs and careers in technical and scientific sectors will make it hard to take care of a family. This is an important theme for the future. The number of jobs in ICT will increase, and the low quantities of women in these sectors will have a strong impact on the availability of skilled workers, as well as increasing the gender gap. What is the role of school in this context? What activities can get more girls interested in science? We focus, in particular, on how innovative approaches such as educational robotics can help girls engage with STEM subjects, as happened with the “Roberta” project, whose results will be illustrated in this work.