Online resource for teaching problem-solving using robots

Science and Technology

Dr Scott Turner

Preliminary work within the team (Turner and Hill, 2006), suggests that using LEGO robots within the teaching of problem solving has some benefits to the students. The main benefit being the students believe that robots provide a method to visually and physically see the outcome of a problem.

These types of robots have been used previously for teaching programming to computing students (e.g. Lawhead et al, 2003) and team-working for engineering students (e.g. Price et al 2003). It is the teaching problem-solving in a first year programming module, that role of using robotics is currently under investigation.

The focus for this project is to develop the material further into online learning packs concerned with problem-solving in first year computing courses. These packs will be available for use within first year computing teaching and externally. Lawhead PB, Bland CG, Barnes DJ, Duncan ME, Goldweber M, Hollingsworth RG, Schep M(2003), A Road Map for Teaching Introductory Programming Using LEGO Mindstorms Robots SIGCSE Bulletin, 35(2): 191-201 Price BA, Richards M, Petre M, Hirst A and Johnson J(2003), Developing robotics e-teaching for teamwork, Int. J. Cont. Engineering Education and Lifelong Learning, Vol. 13 Nos1/2. Turner S and Hill G (2006) The Inclusion Of Robots Within The Teaching Of Problem-solving: Preliminary Results Proceedings of 7th Annual Conference of the ICS HE Academy Trinity College, Dublin, 29-31 August 2006 Proceedings pg 241-242 ISBN 0-9552005-3-9

December 2006-July 2007

1. During the project:
   1. A series of online learning packs
   2. Feedback from a group of student volunteers on the material
2. After the project: It is hoped that other institutions will try out some of the material and provide critical feedback so it can be developed further

Final report is now available from the Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences website

See also a deliverable from the project