A model of teaching electronics, programming and mechanics in robotics for youth

The main purpose of the work was to develop an effective teaching model of teaching electronics, programming and mechanics in robotics for youth as well as to evaluate the model’s learning outcomes. In technical education robotics may have significant impact on the improvement of technological literacy of young people - which is very important for successful life of any individual in today's scientific and technological world. Therefore, robotics should be included in primary education. Robotics is an area, where interdisciplinarity of several subjects such as: electronics, computer science and mechanics is significant. In the Slovenian primary school program the Robotics is found in the elective course of the subject called Robotics in Technology. Since the robotics combines at least three areas mentioned above, one would expect that the contents of these areas are equally included in the educational process. However, several studies show that the effects are good in the field of computer science and mechanics, and even support the development of higher cognitive levels in these two areas. On the other hand the electronics is often ignored and knowledge is rarely verified or tests are limited to the lowest level of thinking skills. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the use of commercial learning kits, which are not designed to educate such contents. Therefore, one of research objectives was to develop appropriate learning resources, designed for introducing electronics contents trough implementation of Kolb's experiential learning cycle. In designing the aids we had to take into account several analyses: examine existing learning materials and devices in various forms of education, the need to fulfil the subjects curriculum and the teachers’ recommendations about what aspects are important. Designed learning material and devices were tested in several versions of the learning model for teaching robotics. The models were implemented in technical days of the elementary education process. Teaching model for teaching electronics, programming and mechanics in robotics for youth confirms good teaching effects. Its effects were estimated in the summer school of robotics and electronics, which proved positive results in knowledge that require higher cognitive levels of thinking skills. The learning model has also great applicative value because of its low-cost learning aids, freely available learning materials and is also appropriate for direct implementation of learning process into the optional subject Robotics in Technology