Using humanoid robots (HR) as instructional tools in higher education

The use of instructional technologies in higher education has progressed from computer-aided presentations and online learning environments to one of the latest instructional technologies, humanoid robots (HR) such as NAO and Pepper. With AI capabilities, the evolving capability of human-like robots to interact with learners is being tested at almost all levels of education and across organizations. Studies have shown that learning-teaching with HR is engaging and promotes learners engrossed in the content mainly because of the novelty of human-robot interaction (HRI). However, the main challenges of HR are the need for initiated or spontaneous communication of HRI and human fear of the new technology. Overall, as an emerging field, HR opens new opportunities and challenges for academic learning and teaching processes to be addressed by the research. In my talk, I will present results from our research over the past four years on using HR as an instructional tool in academic studies. Also, I will offer recommendations for future directions in favor of promoting HRI and AI integration in higher education.