Environmental Robotics for Educational Revival in Hospital Classrooms

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on classrooms in Latin America, especially in Chile, where the prolonged suspension of classes has resulted in learning losses, mental health issues, and student disconnection, especially those in more disadvantaged sectors. This study focuses on addressing these challenges by employing strategies aimed at reactivating post-pandemic education among students in hospital classrooms, belonging to a historically marginalized sector in Chile. With the aim of increasing interest in the natural sciences, two didactic modules with environmental robotics were co-designed with our students from hospital classrooms. Thirty-one students, aged between 12–17, who attend classes at the hospital, participated in the study. Surveys were used to measure students’ initial personal interest, while the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) assessed the situational interest during the implementation of the modules. The results obtained through Multilevel Analysis revealed that factors such as gender, group work, and the use of conventional teaching methods, such as writing and calculations, had a negative impact on students’ interest. Conversely, the use of scientific practices, such as asking questions and interpreting data, contributed positively to increase the student interest. This study provides evidence on pedagogical strategies with technologies that may be more effective in increasing interest in hospital classrooms.