Fostering Computational Thinking Through Educational Robots

The study analyzes the development of computational thinking and technical skills through educational robots, combining theoretical instruction with the development of haptic robotic devices. It proposes a teaching framework that facilitates learning through robotics projects, using force-feedback haptic devices, enabling students to acquire essential skills, improve their digital abilities, and adapt to real-world challenges. The study evaluates the impact of integrating educational robots on cognitive development within an appropriate teaching environment, utilizing the equipment in the robotics lab. The results indicate an improvement in deduction and reasoning abilities, programming skills, use of haptic interfaces, as well as in building and manipulating robots. The implementation of robots and haptic devices has led to significant changes in both teaching strategy and the students' learning process.