Short Description of the Research Project RoboPraX
The RoboPraX research project is trying to deal with the challenges of digitization and create a new qualification framework for it. We have two main complementary goals in this project. First, our robotic-workshop concept (Robotikum) for the promotion of algorithmic thinking as well as the MINT area among pupils, which exists since 2017, is to be assured of its quality in an iterative process (incl. evidence-based adaptations). Secondly, structural factors that support or inhibit curricular implementation in schools and the transfer of results are also to be identified.
At the end of the project, innovative and didactic concepts and learning scenarios for curricular integration at schools that have been carefully evaluated, will become available in order to enable constructive handling of the requirements of digitization and to prepare students optimally for the challenges of a digitized working world (in accordance with the competence fields defined in the KMK Strategy for Digital Education). The declared aim is to differentiate the teaching materials and teaching-learning scenarios specifically for target groups or cohorts in order to meet heterogeneous starting situations and individual needs.
The practical basis for this new approach is provided by humanoid robots of the NAO type and the development environments ( through the Choregraphs) available for their development. RoboPraX is intended to be used in training courses that last several days (Robotikum). Target group students and teachers in all phases of teacher training are introduced to problem-solving strategies required for robot programming, in order to develop these strategies furthur and thus to develop new forms of algorithmic thinking. As an introduction to the topic, the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) RoboBase is provided, which also promotes self-directed learning as part of RoboPraX.
Here you can get to the Robotikum.
The Evaluation Concept
Through in-depth cyclical evaluations (RoboEval) and subsequent adjustments (RoboFit), a "digital curriculum" will be created as an integral part of teacher training in all phases, as well as in the training of pupils. The Robotikum will be evaluated by pupils in a three-stage panel study. In short questionnaires held before, during and after the Robotikum students are asked about their knowledge of robots, robotics, the workshop, the pending teaching material, as well as their competence acquirement and their opinion about the course and robots in general. The goal is to evaluate a possible competence acquirement, a quality assurance of teaching materials and the workshop concept as well as statements on the acceptance of such teaching-learning innovation.
The Robotikum course is always accompanied by a researcher from th team who will observe participants. It is to be noted that no personal data of pupils will be collected in this process. Furthermore, the workshop leaders (students of a teaching degree) create a self-reflection for each workshop. Again, no personal data of pupils will be collected. The group projects created by students in the Robotikum are then analyzed.
Following this, teachers, school management and if applicable, trainee teachers will also be interviewed. Our goals are here again the quality-assurance of workshops, as well as the identification of inhibiting and supporting factors for a curricular anchoring and transferability of the robotics are the main focus. Some personal data will be collected in the interviews, which will be later pseudonymized with personal codes so that eventually their privacy is saved.
After a final evaluation, our findings will be compiled so that the learning modules of RoboPraX can be used in regular lessons. A further step in this direction will soon be taken in the form of micro-projects (as an OER). Micro-projects are small teaching units with a robot programming component that are anchored in the subject matter (core curriculum). Further implementation proposals will be available at the end of the project as carefully evaluated recommendations for curricular integration of digital and analog (in book form).
