Integrating Robotics in Hospital and Home Education: A Systematic Review of Innovative Teaching Practices.

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on integration of robotics in hospitals and home-based educational settings. These schools provide essential educational environments that uphold children's right to education during prolonged illness. The review explores flexible didactic design, time adaptation, and personalized teaching approaches that are crucial in these contexts. It also examines how digital technologies-specifically coding and educational robotics-enhance pediatric educational experiences, reduce isolation, and improve psychological and social well-being. Coding promotes computational thinking and soft skills, while robotics fosters creativity and leadership, making hospital learning empowering and engaging. A comprehensive search, following the PRISMA framework, was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, ERIC, and Google Scholar, to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies on robotics in hospital or home education. Grey literature, non-peer-reviewed studies, and research unrelated to non-standard schooling contexts were excluded. Out of 1,500 articles, 30 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed across four domains: research types and sample profiles, teaching methodologies, technological tools, and skill development. Findings showed that robotics supports educational continuity, fosters engagement, and develops critical skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and leadership. It also reduces social isolation and enhances emotional well-being through interactive, personalized learning. Despite promising results, however, gaps remain, particularly regarding adolescent needs and long-term impacts. This study offers a foundational synthesis for future research and practical applications, emphasizing robotics' transformative potential in inclusive, future-oriented learning for children in non-conventional settings. It deepens understanding of how robotics addresses educational challenges and provides a base for continued research.