The creative nature of robotics activity: Design and problem solving

Abstract

Learning with robotics through open-ended design challenges enables the development of creativity in children. Such robotics learning environments encourage three creative activities that are closely identified with problem solving and design activity, including problem finding, idea generation, and invented strategies. In this chapter, I present the theoretical grounding for the relationship of creativity to robotics, with a special emphasis on the role of play in robotics learning. I provide examples, drawn from my research, to demonstrate how children engage in play and creativity with robotics, and I discuss how these activities relate to learning. In addition, I provide curricular and pedagogical recommendations to teachers interested in supporting student creativity through a robotics learning unit. Curricular recommendations focus on the types of open-ended challenges teachers may enact across the STEM disciplines. Pedagogical recommendations detail a progressive approach to teaching that emphasizes the facilitating role of students' interest, students' experience, and students' collaborative interactions in learning.