Hans Petersen

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Hans Petersen is a leading researcher in educational robotics and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on how tangible programming environments shape children’s learning. His most-cited work, “Programming a Robot or an Avatar” (2020, 8 citations), investigates why young learners—specifically nine- to twelve-year-olds—benefit more from programming physical robots than from traditional instruction. By studying 121 children working in pairs, Petersen’s research unpacks the cognitive and social mechanisms behind this advantage, offering critical insights for designing more effective STEM curricula. His contributions bridge developmental psychology and computer science education, demonstrating that embodiment and collaborative problem-solving are key drivers of deeper engagement and understanding. Though his citation count is still growing, Petersen’s work is notable for its rigorous experimental design and its practical implications for classrooms and informal learning spaces. He continues to explore how interactive technologies, from avatars to robots, can transform how children think about code, making him a rising voice in the field of computing education research.