ERIC Number: EJ1023088
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0738-0569
EISSN: N/A
Collaboration by Design: Using Robotics to Foster Social Interaction in Kindergarten
Lee, Kenneth T. H.; Sullivan, Amanda; Bers, Marina U.
Computers in the Schools, v30 n3 p271-281 2013
Research shows the importance of social interaction between peers in child development. Although technology can foster peer interactions, teachers often struggle with teaching with technology. This study examined a sample of (n = 19) children participating in a kindergarten robotics summer workshop to determine the effect of teaching using a structured versus unstructured robotics curriculum on fostering peer-to-peer collaborative interactions. Results indicated that using a structured curriculum was associated with significantly less collaboration than an unstructured curriculum. Findings from this study indicated that to foster peer collaboration, a less structured learn-by-doing approach might be useful for teachers when integrating technology.
Descriptors: Social Networks, Robotics, Kindergarten, Child Development, Peer Relationship, Technology Integration, Teaching Methods, Constructivism (Learning), Summer Science Programs, Workshops, Matched Groups, Programming, Interaction Process Analysis, Group Dynamics, Young Children
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Kindergarten
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A