High-functioning autistic children programming robotic behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the ability of high-functioning autistic (HFA) children to programme robotic behaviour and sought to elucidate how they describe and construct a robot’s behaviour using iconic programming software. Design/methodology/approach The robotic learning envir...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of enabling technologies 2019-08, Vol.13 (2), p.82-91
Main Authors: Lahav, Orly, Talis, Vadim, Shelkovitz, Ravit, Horen, Rona
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autistic children
Averages
Behavior
Cognitive style
Communication
Educational objectives
Educational technology
High functioning
Kindergarten students
Learning
Learning environment
Questionnaires
R&D
Research & development
Robotics
Robots
Sensors
Technology
Therapists
Transformation
Variables
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the ability of high-functioning autistic (HFA) children to programme robotic behaviour and sought to elucidate how they describe and construct a robot’s behaviour using iconic programming software. Design/methodology/approach The robotic learning environment is based on the iPad, an iconic programming app (KinderBot), and EV3. Two case studies, of A. and N., both HFA children of average age 10.5, are the focus of this research. Findings The research revealed how the participants succeeded in programming the behaviour of an “other” at different programming complexity levels (from simple action to combinations of states of two binary sensors and rule with subroutine). A transformation from procedural to declarative description was also found. Practical implications This research on the ability of HFA children to programme robotic behaviour yielded results that can be implemented in K-12 education. Furthermore, learning to programme robots and understand how robotic technologies work may help HFA children to better understand other technology in their environment. Originality/value In this research, the authors present an innovative approach that for the first time enables HFA children to “design” the behaviour of smart artefacts to use their sensors to adapt in accordance with the environment. For most HFA children, this would be the first opportunity to “design” the behaviour of the other, as opposed to oneself, since in most of their experience they have been largely controlled by another person.
ISSN:2398-6263
2398-6271
DOI:10.1108/JET-12-2018-0069