IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - December 2021 - 99

As Figure 14 and Table 2 show, before COVID-19,
practical robotics classes were primarily focused on work
in small groups across all types of activities (discussion,
robotics use, and performance in class). The practical use
of robotics equipment (in small groups, individually, or
with the assistance of the instructor) was among the most
central components.
By contrast, during the COVID-19 pandemic, all activities
were rated as less central, except homework, which experienced
an increase in importance, and individual presentation
of conceptual work, which experienced no change. Individual
activities by students, such as the presentation of practical and
conceptual work, and individual performance in class,
retained some importance.
Of the interactive components of student activity, discussions
with small groups and the instructor were also
still evaluated as important. However, all other aspects of
interaction with classmates or robotics equipment were
evaluated as rather unimportant, indicating that classes
during COVID-19 became rather less interactive overall
and especially among students-at least in the perception
of the instructor.
Note that there is some evidence that Generation-Z students
prefer to interact in small, self-organized peer-study
groups without a connection to the instructor. This trend may
have been further accelerated by the pandemic, especially as
these peer-group activities tend to be based on social media;
i.e., they are not affected by governmental/institutional
restrictions on in-person meetings due to, e.g., social distancing
regulations.
The Performance of the Students
To test for the effects on the students' performance,
we surveyed the perceived change in the students'
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12 34 56 7
12 34 56 7
(a)
Figure 14. The importance of the different types of student activities (a) before (Continued)
DECEMBER 2021 * IEEE ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION MAGAZINE *
99
(%)
Individual Work in Class
Work in Small Groups of Students
Work With All Other Classmates
Homework
Discussion With the Lecturer
Discussion With Other Students in Small Groups
Discussion With All Other Classmates
Using Robotics Equipment on One's Own
Using Robotics Equipment Alongside Group Members
Using Robotics Equipment Alongside the Instructor
Presenting Practical Work
Presenting Conceptual or Theoretical Work
(%)
Individual Work in Class
Work in Small Groups of Students
Work With All Other Classmates
Homework
Discussion With the Lecturer
Discussion With Other Students in Small Groups
Discussion With All Other Classmates
Using Robotics Equipment on One's Own
Using Robotics Equipment Alongside Group Members
Using Robotics Equipment Alongside the Instructor
Presenting Practical Work
Presenting Conceptual or Theoretical Work
IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - December 2021
