Robotics and its Impact to Student Members of CavSci RoboReapers S.Y. 2016 -2017

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Robotics is increasingly beingconsidered as the fourth "R" of learning, "Reading, wRriting, and aRithmetic" that modern day students must comprehend to succeed in a highly competitive, technology-driven world (STEM Center USA, n.d.). This study aimed to determine the influence of Robotics to the development of student members of CavSci Roboreapers.

METHODS

The study was conducted from January to February 2017 at Cavite National Science High School, Brgy. Garita-B, Maragondon, Cavite. After securing consent, a survey questionnaire was given to nineteen student members of CavSci RoboReapers who already joined robotics competitions. Data were analyzed through frequency, means of central tendency, t -test, and one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

It was determined that the members of CavSci Roboreapers were from different towns and cities of Cavite, age ranges between thirteen and sixteen. Eight respondents were male while eleven were female. All student members who served as respondents on this study have an average grade of 85 and above in the third quarter. 47% of respondents mentioned that the robotics coaches encouraged them to become part of the robotics team while 53% of the respondents answered that it was because of their parents and friends. Personal development is the main factor why respondents decided to join RoboReapers. Curiosity and previous performance of the team served as the second and third factor. 63% of the respondents gained or developed skills after joining the robotics team such as building and communication, logical, critical, and creative thinking skills. Nine respondents answered that they learned how to program after being exposed to robotics. All respondents agreed that they were able to make friends to other members of the team and even outside the school. In terms of family bonding, 84% of the respondents believed that preparation to robotics competition promotes bonding between them and their parents. Through statistical tests, it showed that there is no significant relationship between age, gender or belief of student regarding student-parent bonding and the ability of the student to win competitions. It was also revealed that respondents’ year level has a significant relationship on their ability to win competitions.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of this study revealed that robotics has a significant impact to the lives of student members of RoboReapers. The result of this study might be used as basis on how to assess students' progress under robotics program.