The field of robotics in a classroom context has seen an increase in global momentum recently because of its positive contributions in the teaching of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and beyond. It is argued that when robotics and programming are integrated in developmentally appropriate ways, cognitive skill development beyond STEM can be achieved. The development of educational robotics has presented a plethora of ways in which students can be assisted in the classroom. Designing, Constructing, and Programming Robots for Learning highlights the importance of integrating robotics in educational practice and presents various ways for how it can be achieved. It further explains how 21st century skills and life skills can be developed through the hands-on experience of educational robotics. Covering topics such as computational thinking, social skill enhancement, and teacher training, this text is an essential resource for engineers, educational software developers, teachers, professors, instructors, researchers, faculty, leaders in educational fields, students, and academicians.
Eteokleous, Nikleia: - Dr. Nikleia Eteokleous holds a PhD in Educational Administration with emphasis in Educational Technology (confirmed 2004), M. Ed in Instructional Systems (2003), and M. Ed in Educational Administration (2002) from the Pennsylvania State University and BA in Public and Business Administration (Specialization: Finance) (2001) from the University of Cyprus. She works as an Associate Professor in Educational Technology at the Educational Sciences Department, School of Educational and Social Sciences at Frederick University. She is also the Head of the Distance Learning Committee (responsible for policy development, strategic planning, and professional development training in regards to the distance learning programs offered by the University- undergraduates and graduates). Her research interests focus on technology integration in the educational practice, such as computer applications, Internet tools (Web 2.0 tools, educational networking), educational software, and mobile devices; teacher education and technology, designing learning environments enhanced with technology and online learning environments. She is also involved in research activities related to open and online distance learning, and the integration of robotics in the educational practice. She is the co-founder of Frederick' University Robotics Academy (https: //www.facebook.com/AkadimiaRompotikis/), a research and educational unit that promotes and conduct research in the area of robotics education. Various research studies are conducted related to educational robotics and overall STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) in education. Numerous papers, book chapters and conference papers are published in regards to educational robotics, STEAM and the development of problem based skills, 21st century skills, creativity, computational thinking skills, disciplinary learning objectives. Additionally, the Robotics Academy developed an innovative educational robotics curriculum for elementary school kids where numerous robotics packages, visual programming environments, hands-on, web-based and unplugged activities are employed. She has published articles in established and well-known international scientific journals, book chapters as well as conference proceedings. She has presented various scientific papers in international and national conferences. In addition, her academic activities include participation in numerous research projects having different roles and responsibilities. She is an elected member of Frederick's University Senate, and an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Scientific Association for the Integration of Computer Technology in Education Council and registered member of several scientific organizations such as AERA (American Educational Research Association), AACE (Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education). Finally, she served as the ambassador of Cyprus in EPALE- Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe (during 2019 (in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture) (https: //epale.ec.europa.eu/en). In November 2019, she has been appointed member of the Education and Culture Committee (Parallel Parliament). Finally, in October 2020 she has been appointed by the Cyprus Minister of Education as member of the Digital Technology Exploitation in Education advisory board.
