Assistive Technology: Harkla
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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:
- The acceptance of the Social Robot by participating LDS instructors and students
- 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:
- Supported setting a learning goal and staying on task
- Helped students build their self-regulation skills
- 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.
