Usability evaluation of mechatronic system by primary school children

Abstract

The paper examines the ease of use of a mechatronic system by children aged 7-12+ years living in the area of Thessaloniki. The research was conducted on students who participated in educational robotics seminars and as the results show, the trainees consider a mechatronic system very easy to use. The study concluded that older boys in particular were more familiar, than girls, in the construction and the programming of mechatronic systems. Children seem to be excited and this is evidenced by their strong desire to use it often. The area criterion does not make difference to the results. It seems clear that a mechatronic system is easy to use by primary school children. Through educational robotics, children can be taught in the different objects that combine this special tool. Learning takes the form of a game and escape from the narrow boundaries of conventional teaching that is now outdated and without interest.