Development of a System for Teaching C/C++ Using Robots and Open Source Software in a CS1 Course

- This paper describes the development of a system for teaching C/C++ using LegoTM RCX Robots in a CS1 college course on introductory programming. The system has been implemented using an integrated development environment (IDE) developed by the open source community (Code::Blocks). We have modified the IDE so that it can call a C/C++ cross-compiler for the RCX whose standard firmware has been replaced by the BrickOS open source operating system. An open source emulator (BrickEMU) has also been integrated within the Code::Blocks environment. The IDE and robotic software executes on a virtual machine running under the freely available software, SunTM VirtualBox. This allows for a uniform programming platform for Windows, MacOS, and Unix/Linux. The use of robots in CS1 affords science and engineering students the opportunity to learn sensory-motor based control, to work with an IDE early in their careers, and to gain experience with development and debugging tools that can be utilized th...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2009
• Where: FECS
• Authors: Amy Delman, Lawrence Goetz, Yedidyah Langsam, Theodore Raphan
• Keywords: CS1 College Course, Education, FECS 2009, LegoTM RCX Robots, Open Source