Analyzing the Effectiveness of Educational Robots in Developing Programming Skills among Early Childhood Learners

Abstract

This study stems from the importance of developing technological skills in education from early childhood. Given that many studies have highlighted the low level of programming skills among learners in Arab contexts, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the educational robot (SPIKE Essential) in developing programming skills in kindergarten children. Based on a quasi-experimental approach, the study was conducted on a sample of 15 kindergarten children who were trained on age-appropriate programming skills through a specially designed educational program. Performance-based and knowledge-based assessments were then conducted to evaluate the targeted outcomes. The results revealed significant differences between the pre-test and post-test scores in favor of the post-test, indicating a clear improvement in children's programming skills as a result of the intervention. In light of these findings, the study recommends taking serious steps toward enhancing children's technical and programming capabilities. The findings of this study address the urgent need to integrate age-appropriate technological tools into early childhood education and to promote early exposure to programming as a foundational skill for future learning.