ANALYSIS OF THE INITIAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE BEE-BOT ROBOT IN STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Nowadays, pedagogical robotics is configured as a methodological trend in schools, conceptualized as a technology for learning and knowledge (TLK).Particularly, in the field of inclusive education, the use of CAT during the learning process of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could imply a greater motivation towards the tasks by these students and, therefore, a greater focus of their efforts.Specifically, pedagogical robotics has a series of characteristics, such as predictability, high degree of control of the environment and sequencing, which are perfectly aligned with the educational needs of these students.Among them, the need for a controlled environment that favors error-free learning and decreases the high levels of frustration in the face of non-achievement of the task stands out.Thus, the purpose of the study is to analyze the initial acceptance, by students with ASD, of the Bee-Bot robot for teaching communication and social interaction skills.The proposed research presents a quantitative approach with a single-case quasi-experimental design.A non-probabilistic purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of participants.Thus, the sample of participants consisted of 11 students aged between 3 and 16 years old, attending specific communication and language units in schools in the city of Alicante (Spain).The instrument used is a field notebook designed ad hoc that evaluates the parameter called "initial acceptance".Regarding the procedure, an individual session with each participant lasted approximately 20 minutes.A descriptive data analysis for the calculation of frequencies and percentages was carried out with version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The results indicated that more than 54.00% of the students indicated that they wanted to play with the robot, listened attentively to the explanations and pressed the robot's upper commands.Also, these results indicated that 90.91% approached the robot showing interest and 100.00% responded that they wanted to use the robot again.On the other hand, less than 28.00% of the students were frightened when the robot moved and covered their ears when the robot sounded.In conclusion, students with ASD accept the Bee-Bot robot, which makes it a potential tool for carrying out different activities.