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.