Modeling the Impact of Robotics Learning Experience on Programming Interest Using the Structured Equation Modeling Approach
Nazatul Aini Abd Majid, Noor Faridatul Ainun Zainal, Zarina Shukur, Mohammad Faidzul Nasrudin, Nasharuddin Zainal · International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications · 2024
Proficiency in programming is crucial for driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Therefore, interest in programming needs to be instilled in students starting from the school level. While the use of robotics can attract students' interest in programming, there is still a lack of research modeling, the impact of robotic learning experiences on programming interest using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. This study aims to analyze the structural relationship between interest in programming and learning experiences using a specially developed robotics module based on Kolb's experiential learning model and the programming development phases. An experiment involving 76 primary and secondary school students was conducted using the robotics module. Data were collected through a questionnaire containing 12 questions for five constructs: engagement, interaction, challenge, competency, and interest. These constructs, which are latent variables, formed the model using the partial least squares-SEM technique through the SmartPLS 4.0 software. The evaluation of the structural model found that the variables of engagement and competency had a significant impact on interest in programming, while interaction and challenge received low values. The developed model has moderate predictive power, indicating that interest in programming can be moderately predicted based on students' experiences using robots.