Using social robots as inclusive educational technology for mathematics learning through storytelling

Antonio Vitale; Umberto  Dello Iacono

doi:10.31637/epsir-2024-672

Authors

Antonio Vitale University of Macerata https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0998-0461
Umberto Dello Iacono University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0224-1046

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-672

Keywords:

inclusive mathematics education, universal design for learning, social robots, educational robotics, narrative, human robot interaction, artificial intelligence, digital education

Abstract

Introduction: This exploratory study investigates the potentials of social robots as an inclusive educational technology to enhance mathematics learning. Methodology: More specifically, we investigate the effectiveness of the social robot Pepper in engaging students in inclusive didactic activities through storytelling and providing them with immediate, personalized and emotional feedback. Our focus is on integrating innovative artificial intelligence (AI) with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. The research sample consisted of five students, engaging with Pepper in inclusive mathematics sessions. Results: Our results suggest that the use of Pepper significantly increases student engagement by providing them personalized support. Discussions: The robot’s capacity for dynamic and empathetic student interaction creates a more stimulating and encouraging learning environment. Conclusions: This study shows the potential of social robots in inclusive education, especially when it comes to enabling tailored learning experiences for students in mathematics education that adapt to their various needs. The results of this study need to be validated through future research involving more participants over a long period of time

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Author Biographies

Antonio Vitale, University of Macerata

Antonio Vitale is a PhD student in Teaching & Learning Sciences: Inclusion, Technologies, Educational Research and Evaluation (special pedagogy and inclusion curriculum) at the University of Macerata. His research interests focus on the use of artificial intelligence systems (social robot Pepper) by exploiting its potential as an inclusive educational technology to improve mathematics learning. In detail, his research fully integrates an innovative artificial intelligence tool (Pepper) with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to engage students in inclusive educational activities through storytelling and providing them with immediate, personalized and emotional feedback.

Umberto Dello Iacono, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"

Umberto Dello Iacono obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics and Applications at the University of Salerno. Currently, he is researcher in Mathematics Education at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”. His research interests concern argumentative thinking and problem solving in digital environments and the integration of digital technologies into mathematics teaching and learning processes. In recent years, his research has also focused on mathematics teachers’ professional development regarding mathematical text comprehension, the use of digital technologies in the mathematics teaching/learning process, and the design of learning environments for inclusive and accessible mathematics.

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