Robot programming intervention for promoting spatial relations, mental rotation and visual memory of kindergarten children

Abstract

The study’s purpose was to examine the contribution of a programmable robot to an intervention program for promoting spatial ability (spatial relations, visual-memory, mental rotation) of preschool children. Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to three intervention groups: programmable-robot-based intervention, traditional intervention, control group. Spatial ability was examined pre- and post-10 intervention sessions. Findings indicate that the children exposed to the programmable-robot intervention displayed significantly higher spatial-relations and mental-rotation improvement compared with the traditional intervention and control group. However, the robot did not contribute to visual-memory. The study emphasizes the importance of finding innovative ways to promote spatial ability in young children.

Keywords:

• Spatial relations
• mental rotation
• visual memory
• programming
• computational thinking
• robot

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Einat Brainin

Dr. Einat Brainin recently completed her PhD studies in school of education at Bar-Ilan University. Her research interests include cognitive development in early childhood, Educational robotics and interventions with children at risk for learning disabilities.

Adina Shamir

Prof. Adina Shamir is the Head of Special Education Program and PhD committee, the School of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Her work and publications reflect an interdisciplinary approach that combines technology, special education and early childhood education. As an active member of international organizations she served as Head of the Special Interest Group on Children with Special Needs (EARLI).

Sigal Eden

Dr. Sigal Eden is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Education of Bar-Ilan University in Israel. She is the Vice Head of School of Education, the Head of BA and MA Degrees, and the Head of the Special Education Program for MA. Dr. Eden specialized in educational technology, and her areas of interest include: cognitive and lingual enhancement of children with special needs via technology.