학술논문

Exploring Technology Acceptance: Teachers' Perspectives on Robotics in Teaching and Learning in the UAE
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Author
Nagla Ali (ORCID 0000-0003-4709-0077); Ieda M. Santos (ORCID 0000-0003-3917-1926); Rehab AlHakmani (ORCID 0000-0002-4347-6282); Othman Abu Khurma (ORCID 0000-0002-6401-911X); Myint Swe Khine (ORCID 0000-0003-2582-7306); Usama Kassem (ORCID 0009-0009-0504-4276)
Source
Contemporary Educational Technology. 2023 15(4):469.
Subject
United Arab Emirates
Language
ISSN
1309-517X
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly vital for the next generation of students to acquire problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative skills for them to be successful in the 21st century. The use of technology greatly bolsters the integration of these skills. Robotics, one of the many emerging arrays of technologies, presents learners with challenges and opportunities for developing innovative ideas, critical thinking, and higher-order thinking skills. As a result, the Ministry of Education in Dubai realized these potentials and took an essential step in the form of the distribution of Lego Mindstorms Education kits to schools with the goal of encouraging teachers to use these kits in their classrooms. This research study aimed to investigate teachers' perceptions of a training on Lego Mindstorms in terms of content, methodology, activities, and recommendations. In addition, the study investigated how teachers perceived Lego Mindstorms based on TAM model. A total of 59 high school (cycle 2) teachers participated in the current study. The data from the teachers were collected using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data analysis consists of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Teachers showed positive perceptions of robotics integration, emphasizing its potential to enhance teaching and learning. Their willingness to learn and adapt, combined with their recommendations for enhanced training methods, highlights the importance of continuous professional development for effective robotics integration. Teachers expressed the need for more practical training, hands-on activities, and a balance between theoretical and practical aspects. A positive correlation between perceived learning usefulness, perceived teaching usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitudes, and teachers' intention to use Lego Mindstorms in their future teaching was found.