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Educational robotics in special education

Educational robotics can be a useful tool in early and special education. According to a journal on new perspectives in science education, educational robotics can work on, "the development of knowledge and abilities that enhance their personal and social skills, promote autonomy, and assist their integration into society." Using Lego Mindstorms NXT, schoolteachers were able to work with middle school aged children in order to develop programs and improve the children's social and personal skills. Additionally, problem solving skills and creativity were utilized through the creation of artwork and scenery to house the robots. Other studies show the benefits of educational robotics in special education as promoting superior cognitive functions, including executive functions. This can lead to an increased ability in "problem solving, reasoning and planning in typically developing preschool children." Through eight weeks of weekly forty five minute group sessions using the Bee-Bot, an increase in interest, attention, and interaction between both peers and adults was found in the school and preschool-aged children with Down Syndrome. This study suggests that educational robotics in the classroom can lead to an improvement in visuo-spatial memory and mental planning as well. Furthermore, executive functions seemed to be possible in one child during this study.