Employing robotics and AI in the educational sector

Abstract

The employment and usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in today’s day and age has become an ever-growing trend to include such systems to understand the capabilities of these systems. Education needs tutors to teach their students in an effective and engaging way, whilst also communicating the subject at hand correctly towards a student. This study delved into the perspectives of educators on the integration of AI and Robotics in the classroom, whilst also taking into account the perceptions teachers have on these technologies. In this research the main objectives were to comprehend the perceptions educators have on AI and Robotics, assessing their willingness to promote the integration of AI and Robotics in Education, and to explore the further possibility of using the aforementioned technologies. The employment of a dual-method approach was taken as well as a systematic strategy. These research methods came in line with all of the objectives and main aim described at the start of the research. Through the use of in-depth interviews at a local secondary school, were used to increase further knowledge on their viewpoints regarding the incorporation of AI and Robotics. A prompt was given to each educator before the start of the research regarding if they had any opinions on the matter at hand and if they wish to further discuss. The second research method were distributed to different educators with varying levels of teaching experience. Using literature research as the main resource for information, it is also used to understand what existing knowledge can be said about RAIED. Information and quotations gathered from literature research were organised using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis table, providing a structured overview. The main takeaway from the interviews was the importance teachers placed on them maintaining control over the technologies being integrated into their classrooms. The perceptions of teachers proved to be strong, with many different keywords being used during the interviews. Questionnaires revealed that most teachers incorporate technology in their lessons, affirming that it can be positive in teaching. This research provides a solid foundation for future work to build upon, suggesting opportunities to develop and experiment using advanced systems in diverse educational settings.