Maria Chatzikyrkou

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Maria Chatzikyrkou’s research lies at the intersection of educational robotics, human–computer interaction, and child-centered technology evaluation. Her work focuses on understanding how young learners engage with mechatronic systems and the emotional rewards of participation in robotics education. In her most-cited study (3 citations), she conducted a usability evaluation of a mechatronic system with primary school children aged 7–12+ in Thessaloniki, finding that trainees considered the system very easy to use. This practical insight supports the design of intuitive, age-appropriate educational technologies. Her complementary studies (each with 2 citations) explore the pleasure and satisfaction derived from educational robotics programs for children aged 9–15, using statistical comparisons to uncover relationships between enjoyment and sustained engagement. Chatzikyrkou’s work is notable for its focus on the affective dimension of STEM learning—highlighting that joy and usability are as critical as technical outcomes. By centering children’s lived experiences, she contributes valuable evidence for educators, curriculum designers, and robotics developers aiming to create inclusive, motivating learning environments. Her research offers a human-centered perspective that enriches the growing field of educational robotics.