Micro:bit Robotics Course: Infusing Logical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Ability in Fifth Grade Students Through an Online Group Study System

Authors

  • Po-Jen Cheng Dep. of Computer Science and Information Engineeing, National Chung Cheng University
  • Yuan-Hsun Liao Master Program of Digital Innovation, Tunghai University, Taiwan
  • Pao-Ta Yu Dep. of Computer Science and Information Engineeing, National Chung Cheng University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i1.4844

Keywords:

logical reasoning, problem solving, micro:bit robot, gender difference, STEAM

Abstract

With rising societal interest in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), a micro:bit robotics course with an online group study (OGS) system was designed to foster student learning anytime and anywhere. OGS enables the development of a learning environment that combines real-world and digital-world resources, and can enhance the effectiveness of learning among students from a remote area. In this pre- and post-test experiment design, we studied 22 (8 males and 14 females) 5th grade students from a remote area of Taiwan. A t test performed before and after the robotics course showed a positive increase in students’ proportional reasoning, probabilistic reasoning, and ability to analyze a problem. Results also revealed a gender difference in the association between students’ logical reasoning and problem-solving ability.

Author Biographies

Po-Jen Cheng, Dep. of Computer Science and Information Engineeing, National Chung Cheng University

Po-Jen Cheng received the PhD degree in the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, in 2020. He has been with the computer science teacher of Da Ciao Elementary School, Tainan, Taiwan. His research interests include e-learning and computer education.

Yuan-Hsun Liao, Master Program of Digital Innovation, Tunghai University, Taiwan

Yuan-Hsun Liao received the Master of Engineering degree from Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan, in 2006, and the Ph.D. degree in computer science from National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, in 2013. His research interests include machine learning, image processing, education application, and e-Learning.

Pao-Ta Yu, Dep. of Computer Science and Information Engineeing, National Chung Cheng University

Pao-Ta Yu received the PhD degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, U.S.A., in 1989. Since 1990, he has been with the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, where he is currently a professor. His research interests include e-Learning, m-Learning, neural networks and fuzzy systems, ecommerce, web services, and semantic web.

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Published

2021-03-11

How to Cite

Cheng, P.-J., Liao, Y.-H., & Yu, P.-T. (2021). Micro:bit Robotics Course: Infusing Logical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Ability in Fifth Grade Students Through an Online Group Study System . The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 22(1), 21–40. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i1.4844

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Research Articles

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