Applying Design Thinking to Educational Robotics: A Thematic Literature Review

This review explores the integration of Design Thinking (DT) principles into educational robotics (ER) programs and its impact on student learning outcomes and 21st-century skill development. The objectives encompass exploring DT in ER, examining the link between 21st Century Skills and ER, investigating the impact of DT on learning outcomes, and exploring the role of teachers and teacher training. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review, en compassing data collection, categorization, synthesis, and analysis. The findings demonstrate that DT in ER effectively enhances critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and computational skills. This approach culti vates a culture of innovation and cooperation, resulting in deeper learning and improved knowledge transfer. In con clusion, the integration of DT into ER is deemed essential for preparing students for the future. Nonetheless, challenges such as teacher training and time constraints persist. Therefore, recommendations include further research on stu dents' application of DT in solving genuine coding challenges and the development of practical strategies for seamlessly incorporating DT and ER into general education classrooms.