Abstract

The integration of interactive technology in early childhood education has gained considerable attention in the educational field. As stated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), there is a growing emphasis on utilizing interactive technology to engage young minds and enrich the learning experience. Therefore, the selection of interactive robots has become a significant aspect of early robotics education. While a multitude of robotic options populate the current market, it is important to recognize appropriate robots for the developmental stage of young learners. This study focused on the thorough analysis of eight robots specifically tailored for educational and interactive engagement with young children. The assessment criteria closely adhere to the principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, as articulated by the NAEYC. Additionally, this investigation draws insights from the joint position statement titled “Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8” jointly issued by the NAEYC and the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College. This research provides valuable guidance for educators, parents, and stakeholders seeking to employ interactive robots as effective educational tools in early childhood settings.

Presenters

Wei Ying Hsiao
Professor, Teaching and Learning, University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Adriano Cavalcanti
Associate Professor, Software Engineering and Computer Science, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2024 Special Focus—People, Education, and Technology for a Sustainable Future

KEYWORDS

Robots for Young Children, Interactive Technology, Interactive Robots, Early robotics

Digital Media

This presenter hasn’t added media.
Request media and follow this presentation.