2026 Conference Archive
Expanding Qualitative Research: Exploring Children's Perspectives on Robotics Through Visual Methods
Location
Helms Classroom #173
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
Understanding children's conceptualizations of robotics is essential for developing child-friendly robots that align with their perspectives. This study uses visual research methods, specifically drawing analysis, to examine children's perceptions of robotics. By applying visual semiotics and Cultural-Historical Action Theory (CHAT), the research explores common themes in children's robot drawings. The CHAT framework helps analyze how cultural and social contexts influence children's interpretations of robots. The study involves video analysis of a 6-year-old participant, focusing on her robot drawing and reflections. CHAT provides insights into the cultural impact on children's understanding of robotics, revealing how they assign meaning through symbols and colors. The findings show that semiotic analysis, guided by CHAT, highlights the child’s enthusiasm and positive perception of robots, reflected in her use of bright primary colors like red and yellow. Carefully selected references further support the study’s insights.
Keywords
children, robotics, conceptualizations, visual research, drawing, semiotics analysis
Professional Bio
Nermin Ciloglu Cakmakci, M.A., Doctoral Candidate Nermin Ciloglu Cakmakci is a doctoral student in the Early Childhood Department at the University of South Florida’s College of Education. Her research focuses on bilingualism, play, reading, teaching skills, AI, and technology in early childhood. She earned a master’s in Learning Sciences and Educational Research from the University of Central Florida, investigating academic stressors for ESL graduate students. She holds three Honors Degrees in Guidance and Psychological Counseling from Uludag University. She has professional experience as a Cloud Engineer, completed AWS and DevOps training, and enjoys reading, painting, and swimming.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Ciloglu Cakmakci, Nermin, "Expanding Qualitative Research: Exploring Children's Perspectives on Robotics Through Visual Methods" (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 52.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/52
Expanding Qualitative Research: Exploring Children's Perspectives on Robotics Through Visual Methods
Helms Classroom #173
Understanding children's conceptualizations of robotics is essential for developing child-friendly robots that align with their perspectives. This study uses visual research methods, specifically drawing analysis, to examine children's perceptions of robotics. By applying visual semiotics and Cultural-Historical Action Theory (CHAT), the research explores common themes in children's robot drawings. The CHAT framework helps analyze how cultural and social contexts influence children's interpretations of robots. The study involves video analysis of a 6-year-old participant, focusing on her robot drawing and reflections. CHAT provides insights into the cultural impact on children's understanding of robotics, revealing how they assign meaning through symbols and colors. The findings show that semiotic analysis, guided by CHAT, highlights the child’s enthusiasm and positive perception of robots, reflected in her use of bright primary colors like red and yellow. Carefully selected references further support the study’s insights.
