The Effect of Robot Programming Education on Attitudes towards Robots

Background/Objectives: How robot programming education affects the attitude of pre-service teachers toward robots was analyzed, along with how pre-service teachers appreciate robot programming classes. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this research, the Negative Attitude toward Robots Scale of Nomura et al. was used as a test tool. Research subjects were divided into an experimental group taking robot programming education and a control group taking ordinary classes. Both groups took a test to indicate their attitudes toward robots before and after the experiment; the experimental group also took a test asking their appreciation of robot programming education. Each group's test results were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. The attitude toward robot programming education was analyzed through frequency analysis. Findings: Before the experiment, the groups' results did not show statistically significant differences; however, after the experiment, they did. Comparing pre- and post-testing of each group, the control group showed no significant difference; however, the experimental group showed significant difference. This implied that robot programming education affected pre-service teachers' attitudes toward robots, especially in a positive way. When asked their attitude toward robots, pre-service teachers answered that programming education promoted more interest in robots because they could make and realized with their own hand; however, the design and the assembly of robot would be negative. Pre-existing research had only studied attitudes toward robots and compared them by countries or investigated effect elements. This research focused on not only the attitude of pre-service teachers toward robots but also elements that could improve those attitudes. In follow-up studies, researchers could attempt to solve the imbalance of research subjects and add the group taking programming classes. Application/Improvements: The result of this study could be used for the development of robot education programs and basic material for the training of teachers.