Social Robotics Enhances Student Engagement

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

In 2020 Lightwell Learning (formerly Learn. Develop. Succeed) 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 Lightwell Learning instructors and students 

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

Results

Participants worked with our 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  

Our experienced team of instructors continues to use this research-informed technology to enhance learning in many of our programs. Lightwell Learning 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

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