AFFORDABLE, SCREEN-FREE ROBOTICS FOR ENHANCING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING IN EARLY STEM EDUCATION: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the emerging field of affordable, screen free robotics as an approach to developing computational thinking skills in early STEM education in underserved learning environments. Even though learning benefits
exist for educational robots, many challenges still continue to plague widespread adoption in underserved communities. This paper therefore uses a comprehensive thematic literatu re review of peer reviewed literature published in the range of 2010 and 2025. The paper therefore attempts to synthesize the research across various disciplines involved in educational robotics. The theoretical foundations that form the foundation of educ ational robotics were reviewed. In addition, key engineering and mechatronics constraints involved in the development of educational robotics for underserved communities were also reviewed. The review
identified significant research gaps which include the feasibility and under exploration of RFID for tangible programming. This synthesis showed that achieving equitable access to computational thinking education requires a new
generation of educational robotics. These solutions must aim to be low cost, screen free, locally manufacturable, pedagogically effective, and environmentally sustainable, or any combination of these features. The findings from this review can potentially provide a roadmap for researchers, engineers, and educators working to democratize STEM education through accessible robotic platforms.