TRENDS IN STUDIES ON EDUCATIONAL ROBOTICS IN RECENT YEARS: A CONTENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the general trends in educational robotics in recent years. The document analysis method was preferred in this research. Accordingly, the content of 100 articles published in the field of educational robotics in recent years was analyzed in terms of methodology, sample characteristics, robotic tools used, commonly covered topics, and findings. The study revealed that Lego Mindstorms, Arduino, Python, and Scratch are the most commonly used robotic tools in educational robotics. It was observed that students predominantly participated in the studies, with a focus on university and middle school levels. Moreover, the analysis indicated that quantitative studies mostly employed scales and questionnaires, whereas qualitative studies frequently used interviews and observation forms as measurement tools. The most frequently examined variables in these studies were computational thinking, problem-solving, creativity, academic achievement, collaboration, and motivation. While the findings generally emphasized the positive effects of educational robotics and its significance for integration into other domains, the challenges of educators’ knowledge and experience in robotics, infrastructure and technical issues, and difficulties in practical implementation were also identified as disadvantages.