EduRobotX 2024: Workshop of the EATEL SIG EduRobotX 2024_ECTEL2024 The University for Continuing Education Krems Krems, Austria, September 17, 2024

Call for Abstracts

We are very pleased to invite you to submit your latest research results, developments, and ideas (extended abstract of max.  4 pages) to the 2nd International Workshop of the EATEL SIG EduRobotX 2024: Exploring Educational Robots and Robotics for Learning and Development, which will be held at the ECTEL Conference, in Krems, Austria | 16-20 September 2024, URL: https://ea-tel.eu/ectel2024/

Important Dates

• 30.08.2024 Extended abstract submission
• 06.09.2024 Notifications of Acceptance
• 13.09.2024 Final version submitted
• 17.09.2024 Presentations at the workshop

Submission Preparation

We invite submissions in the form of extended abstracts (max. 4 pages) related to Educational Robots and Robotics for Learning and Development. The abstract submission should be no longer than 4 pages and formatted as per CEUR-WS proceedings https://ceur-ws.org/README.html#CEURART

Please submit your abstract via EasyChair by 30 August 2024: https://easychair.org/edurobotX2024

Committees

Organizing Committee/Workshop Chairs

• Ilona Buchem, Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany
• Nardie Fanchamps, Open University,Nederlands
• Maria Perifanou, University of Macedonia,Greece

Program Committee

• Aino Ahtinen, Tampere University, Finland
• Nicolaos Fachantidis, University of Macedonia, Greece
• Christian Glahn, The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
• Rinat Rosenberg-Kima, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
• Israel María Zapata-Cáceres, University Rey Juan Carlos, Spain
• Estefanía Martín-Barroso, University Rey Juan Carlos, Spain

Special Issue

This workshop invites extended abstracts of max. 4 pages showcasing innovative applications of educational robotics and robots for learning and development. Following the workshop, authors of selected abstracts will be invited to submit full papers for potential publication in a special issue of a journal. This special issue aims to capture the cutting-edge developments in the field of educational robots and robotics, which are increasingly prevalent in our predominantly technology-driven society. We seek to foster knowledge dissemination, facilitate discussions, and chart future research directions in the realm of robotics and its impact on education and beyond.

Topics

1. STEM and Robotics: Exploring Synergies for Enhanced Learning
2. Skills and Competencies Acquisition through Robotics: Innovations and Applications
3. Psychological Insights in Educational Robotics: Motivation, Focus, and Well-being
4. Cultivating Curiosity: The Role of Robotics in Fostering Inquisitive Learning
5. AI and Robotics Integration in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT, Large Language Models, and Machine Learning
6. Enhancing Human-Robot Interaction in Educational Settings: Challenges and Opportunities
7. Personalized Learning with Robotics: Tailoring Education to Individual Needs and Abilities
8. Cognitive Development and Educational Robotics: Understanding the Impact on Student Learning
9. Considerations in AI-driven Educational Robotics: Navigating the Moral and Ethical Landscape
10. Future Directions in Educational Robotics: Emerging Trends, Innovations and Opportunities for Lifelong Learning

General Aim

The proposed workshop focuses on the exploration of how educational robots and robotics can be applied to support the diversity of learners, including learners with special needs (e. g. neurodivergent learners, learners on the autism spectrum, learners with physical disabilities or other learning disorders) and learners of different ages (children in preschools, primary, secondary, higher education, adults, seniors).

The workshop is designed to delve into a variety of practical examples, use cases, and research findings pertaining to the themes it covers. We present a comprehensive overview of the proceedings, addressing specific use cases and application examples as well as broader implications of educational robots and robotics on education and learning.

Our aim is to offer insights into both specific case studies and more general applications, illuminating the diverse ways in which robots and robotics can contribute to education (school, higher education, professional education, lifelong learning). Through the presentation of examples and results from different educational contexts, our intention is to catalyze discussions and encourage further exploration of robot-enhanced learning. Together with the participants we want to discuss how, where, and to what extent the integration of robots in learning contexts transcends existing boundaries, areas where existing technologies and our understanding may be limited but where we recognize abundant opportunities and potential for future development.

Use cases

Use cases may involve (but are not limited to): 

• interactive storytelling with educational robots 
• learning games and collaborative learning activities with robots
• implementing motivational strategies through robot feedback and reinforcement
• promoting mindfulness and stress reduction with robot-assisted activities 
• fostering curiosity and exploration through interactive learning experiences
• leveraging natural language processing capabilities for interactive dialogue with educational robots 
• utilising machine learning algorithms for adaptive learning and personalised instruction, 
• exploring the ethical implications of AI-driven educational technologies 
• designing robot behaviours and gestures to promote effective communication and collaboration, 
• integrating sensors and feedback mechanisms to adapt to student needs and preferences 
• exploring cultural factors influencing HRI in diverse educational contexts. 

Desired Outcomes

Overall, the workshop aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between robotics, education, psychology, AI, and HRI (human-robot interaction), highlighting practical applications, theoretical frameworks, and research directions to advance the field and inform educational practice. Furthermore, the workshop seeks to compile a collection of practices and innovative ideas to be published in a special issue, thereby contributing to the advancement of the field and informing educational practices.

Program and More Info

The program can be found here. More details about the conference and the registration process can be found on the ECTEL 2024 conference website.

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to the workshop organisers:

• Ilona Buchen: buchem@bht-berlin.de
• Nardie Fanchamps: nardie.fanchamps@ou.nl
• Maria Perifanou: mariaperif@gmail.com