Integrating AI with Robotics in K-12 Education for Programming Learning: A Systematic Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a critical educational tool for K-12 students worldwide. This systematic literature review focuses on research from the past five years, examining how AI is integrated with robotics to enhance programming learning in K-12 settings. From an initial pool of 1,696 studies, 11 papers were selected for in-depth analysis. While using AI to promote programming skills holds great potential, it also raises important ethical considerations. The review highlights current trends, pedagogical strategies, and practical applications that enhance learning in the fields of AI and programming. It also provides detailed insights into the hardware platforms, software tools, and instructional methods employed across studies. The findings reveal that various hardware platforms have been employed in diverse educational settings, with a particular focus on secondary education, specifically in the use of AI for more complex cognitive activities. Nonetheless, a growing trend is emerging in studies at the primary education level. Future research should focus on developing pedagogical frameworks that enable educators to effectively introduce AI concepts to younger learners of programming.