#1360: Shaunk, a robotic cultural instrument

This design-based research study explores interdisciplinary interactions between the Arts and Computer Science in a Music classroom. We co-designed Shaunk, a robotic Dhol (a Punjabi percussion instrument), with music instructors and studied it as part of an after-school program for middle and high school students. We conducted a mixed-methods analysis of video data, pre- and post-assessments, and semi-structured interviews to understand how embodied interaction with a musical robot shapes learning engagement, fluency, collaborative practice, and students' perceptions of computing. Our analysis shows increases in practice time (150%), task completion (from 60% to 95%), and engagement duration. Qualitative analysis of student interviews suggests that students appreciated the connections between cultural practice and computing. We contribute design principles for culturally responsive embodied learning environments and discuss the implications of integrating computing into authentic cultural contexts