A Road Map for Teaching Introductory Programming Using LEGO© Mindstorms Robots
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
12-1-2002
Description
In this paper, we describe a recent trend in the introductory computer science curriculum which advocates conceptualizing computation primarily as coordinated concurrent activities [8], [9], [10]. Consistent with this philosophy is the focus on the event-driven model of computation [7]. While one can utilize these approaches with any thread and/or event supporting object-oriented language (e.g. Java) in a desktop programming environment, they become particularly worthwhile when used in conjunction with physical robots. This paper argues the case for the benefits of this approach and provides sample exercises that illustrate the use of this pedagogy using Lego Mindstorms RCX bricks programmed in Java for use in introductory programming.
Citation Information
Lawhead, Pamela B.; Duncan, Michaele E.; Bland, Constance G.; Goldweber, Michael; Schep, Madeleine; Barnes, David J.; and Hollingsworth, Ralph G.. 2002. A Road Map for Teaching Introductory Programming Using LEGO© Mindstorms Robots. Proceedings of the Conference on Integrating Technology into Computer Science Education, ITiCSE. 191-201. https://doi.org/10.1145/960568.783002