Social Robotics Enhances Student Engagement

LDS works with leading researchers in social robotics. We research and apply the best ways to support students with learning disabilities.  

In 2020 LDS formed a research partnership with the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Laboratory (SIRRL) at the University of Waterloo. This partnership led to a pilot study in 2021 and a research study in 2022. The results of this more recent research study are now available to share with you. Here is what the study evaluated: 

1. The acceptance of the Social Robot by participating LDS instructors and students 

2. The impact of the Social Robot on student engagement during their one-to-one sessions. 

Results

Participants worked with LDS’s Social Robot, QT. Instructors and students accepted and had positive experiences with QT. Here is a highlight of some exciting results on how using specially programmed Social Robots within our one-to-one instruction program impacts learning. The Social Robot:  

1. Supported setting a learning goal and staying on task  

2. Helped students build their self-regulation skills 

3. Enhanced student engagement  

LDS’s experienced team of instructors continues to use this research-informed technology to enhance learning in many of our programs. LDS helps students with learning differences build a robust digital toolbox.  

Learn More

• Read the research article by authors including Dr. Jenn Fane and Mike Mackenzie-Gray 
• Learn about LDS Assistive Technology
• Read more about this research in the press:
  • Inceptive Mind, “Social Robot Helps Students with Learning Disabilities Stay Focused“
  • New Atlas, “Classroom Robot Helps Keep Kids with Learning Disabilities on Track“
  • Laboratory Equipment, “Robot Helps Students with Learning Disabilities Stay Focused“
  • Spring Wise, “Robots Helping Children with Disabilities Stay on Track“

– Jennifer Fane, Director of Education

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals that write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.