Personalizing CS1 with robots

We have developed a CS1 curriculum that uses a robotics context to teach introductory programming [1]. Core to our approach is that each student has their own personal robot. Our robot and software have been specifically developed to support the needs of a CS1 curriculum. We frame traditional problems (robot control) in terms that are personal, relevant, and fun. Initial trial classes have shown that our approach is successful and adaptable. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.3.2 [Computers & Education]: Computer & Information Science Education--computer science education General Terms Human Factors, Languages, Experimentation Keywords Robots, CS1, Pedagogy

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: SIGCSE
• Authors: Jay Summet, Deepak Kumar, Keith J. O'Hara, Daniel Walker, Lijun Ni, Douglas S. Blank, Tucker R. Balch
• Keywords: CS1 Curriculum, Education, Personal Robot, SIGCSE 2009, Terms Human Factors