An effective educational tool: construction kits for fun and meaningful learning

Somyurek S.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN EDUCATION, cilt.25, sa.1, ss.25-41, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 25 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2015
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10798-014-9272-1
  • Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN EDUCATION
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.25-41
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Constructivist learning, Interactive learning environments, Construction kits, Robotic technologies, Pedagogical issues, ROBOTS, PISA, SCIENCE, DESIGN, REFORM
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The integration of robotics in education is still relatively new and represents an important advance in education practices. So, this paper aims to share the results from the perspectives of both students and trainers in an experimental case research in which LEGO Mindstorms construction kits were used. Sixty-two students between the ages of 8 and 14 participated in the study. Multiple data collection methods were used to ensure the richness and diversity of the data. According to the findings, constructivist learning experiences that students had in this training program were themed into the four major themes; active learning, authentic learning, multiple perspectives and collaborative learning. Learning through construction kits offered opportunities to deepen the students' understanding of various concepts with hands-on exploration and design, resulting in fun and enjoyment. It also promoted students' active involvement and fostered the collaboration that leads to developing multiple perspectives.