Robots and Physical Computing

Robotics within the teaching of Problem-Solving Volume/Issue:   Vol 7, Issue 1 Date: Sunday, 1 June, 2008 Journal Name:  ITALICS Author(s) Scott Turner Gary Hill Abstract This paper considers the experiences of teaching on a module where problem-solving is taught first, then programming. The main tools for the problem-solving part, alongside two problem-solving approaches, are tasks using Mindstorm (LEGO, Denmark) robot kits. This is being done as a foundation step before the syntax of a language (Java) is taught to enable a Graphical User Interface (GUI) emulation of a previous robot problem. Results of student evaluation and feedback will be presented and the use of two simulators will be considered. Full paper available at:  https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/robotics-within-teaching-problem-solving  or PDF version https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/ital.7.1h.pdf All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any w...

A paper has recently been published in   International Journal of Quality Assurance in Engineering and Technology Education  on problem-solving and programming by two members of the Department of Computing and Immersive Technologies, University of Northampton. Problems First, Second and Third.  Gary Hill and Scott Turner DOI:   10.4018/ijqaete.2014070104 Abstract This paper considers the need to focus initial programming education on problem-solving, prior to the teaching of programming syntax and software design methodology. The main vehicle for this approach is simple Lego based robots programmed in Java, followed by the programming of a graphical representation/simulation to develop programming skills. Problem solving is not trivial (Beaumont & Fox, 2003) and is an important skill, central to computing and engineering. The paper extends the authors earlier research on problems first and problem solving (Hill & Turner, 2011) to furthe...

Confession time, this has been a research interest for me, along with a number of colleagues, since around 2005. It started with undergraduate students - investigating teaching and developing problem solving skills as a first step developing programming skills through the use of LEGO-based robots and graphics based programming for undergraduate students. The main vehicle for developing the problem-solving skills has been LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits and series of gradually more challenging robot-based tasks. Lawhead et al (2003) stated that robots “…provide entry level programming students with a physical model to visually demonstrate concepts” and “the most important benefit of using robots in teaching introductory courses is the focus provided on learning language independent, persistent truths about programming and programming techniques. Robots readily illustrate the idea of computation as interaction”. Synergies can be made with our work and thos...