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Evaluating the role of a humanoid robot to support learning in children with profound and multiple disabilities

Hedgecock, Joseph; Standen, Penny J.; Beer, Charlotte; Brown, David

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Authors

Joseph Hedgecock

Penny J. Standen

Charlotte Beer

David Brown



Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify ways teachers might employ a robot to achieve learning objectives with pupils with intellectual disabilities and potential outcome measures.

Design/methodology/approach
A series of five case studies where teacher-pupil dyads were observed during five planned video-recorded sessions with a humanoid robot. Engagement was rated in a classroom setting and during the last session with the robot. Video recordings were analysed for duration of engagement, teacher assistance and number of goals achieved.

Findings
Teachers identified a wide range of learning objectives ranging from an appreciation of cause and effect to improving the pupil's sense of direction. The robot's role could be to reward behaviour, provide cues or provide an active element to learning. Rated engagement was significantly higher with the robot than in the classroom.

Research limitations/implications
A robot with a range of functions that allowed it to be engaging and motivating for the wide range of pupils in special education would be expensive and require teachers to learn how to use it. The findings identify ways to provide evidence that this expenditure of time and money is worthwhile.

Originality/value
There is almost no research teachers can refer to on using robots to support learning in children with intellectual disabilities. This paper is therefore of value for researchers who wish to investigate using robots to educate children with intellectual disabilities, as it can provide vital information to aid study design.

Citation

Hedgecock, J., Standen, P. J., Beer, C., & Brown, D. (2014). Evaluating the role of a humanoid robot to support learning in children with profound and multiple disabilities. Journal of Assistive Technologies, 8(3), 111-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAT-02-2014-0006

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 1, 2014
Online Publication Date Apr 1, 2014
Publication Date Sep 1, 2014
Deposit Date Mar 22, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 22, 2017
Journal Journal of Assistive Technologies
Print ISSN 1754-9450
Electronic ISSN 2042-8723
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 8
Issue 3
Pages 111-123
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/JAT-02-2014-0006
Keywords Education, Learning objectives, Case studies, Engagement, Robots, Intellectual disabilities
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/723783
Publisher URL http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/JAT-02-2014-0006
Contract Date Mar 22, 2017

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