DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND PRELIMINARY VALIDATION OF A ROBOTIC PROTOTYPE FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING IN ECUADORIAN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59540/tech.vi5.118Keywords:
Educational robotics, educational strategy, gamification, English teaching, Raspberry PiAbstract
English teaching in Ecuadorian basic education presents limitations with traditional methods, hindering the acquisition of language skills. Given this problem, this project proposes a technological solution based on the design, construction, and implementation of a robotic prototype aimed at teaching English as a foreign language to children. The design phase integrated pedagogical and engineering criteria for the development of an interactive system that facilitates the playful learning of basic English vocabulary. The system's functional modules were defined, including the human-computer interface, control components, and the robot's mechanical structure. The development integrated a Raspberry Pi 4-based architecture with an interactive Python application and an Android remote control application, resulting in a robot capable of limb movement, movement, and interactive applications.
The functional and pedagogical validation was carried out with first-year students of basic general education at the Carlos Cisneros Educational Unit. Through direct classroom observation and interviews with teaching staff, it was found that the prototype significantly increases students' attention and engagement compared to conventional classes. Despite the positive reception, it is concluded that it is essential to optimize the graphic and playful design of the interfaces (Python and Android) to enhance motivation and learning effectiveness in future versions.
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