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A Road Map for Teaching Introductory Programming Using LEGO© Mindstorms Robots

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.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-20287
Date01 December 2002
CreatorsLawhead, Pamela B., Duncan, Michaele E., Bland, Constance G., Goldweber, Michael, Schep, Madeleine, Barnes, David J., Hollingsworth, Ralph G.
PublisherDigital Commons @ East Tennessee State University
Source SetsEast Tennessee State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
SourceETSU Faculty Works

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