Towards a Learning Experience on the Pre-Assembled Mobile Robot Platform in the First Year of Engineering

The use of emerging technologies in the classroom is an open field that is being researched in order to demonstrate their implication in learning. The aim of this paper is to present an experience of a work placement in the subject of programming in the first year of engineering studies at a polytechnic university in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. In order to determine how the use of a pre-assembled mobile robot platform, irobot, allows the consolidation of programming concepts and algorithmic strategies. An empirical-analytical, quantitative, quasi-experimental research methodology is used. A population of 90 students from five courses took part. The survey technique is applied at the end of a work session with the irobot platform, to integrate an algorithmic logic experience in two phases. It is discussed that the training of the professors to generate activities with robotics elements that allow the integration of algorithmic tasks is still a challenge. It is concluded that an experience with robotics elements in a platform such as irobot, achieves a greater reach in high enrolment courses, in addition to the preparation of activities that involve tasks with algorithmic development allow a better understanding of programming concepts. Finally, 90.9% of the students agree that using this platform, irobot and similar, motivates students’ performance in the study of programming.