Teaching design and project management with lego RCX robots

Abstract

In traditional CS 1 classes students may not develop an appreciation for the planning process in software development. Current IDEs provide such immediate feedback that students can complete courses without an appreciation for the need to plan in advance and design thoughtfully. The course unit described here took time out from a Java-based CS 1 course to give students practical experience in programming a small robot in a highly restricted setting. Outcomes are described in detail. They are based on instructor's notes, and on analysis of both videotaped student demonstrations and student summative essays.

Teaching Introductory Programming Concepts with Lego MindStorms in Greek High Schools: A Two-Year Experience

“…They started being used at all levels of education in order to teach a variety of subjects and fields, such as: basic programming concepts, artificial intelligence, robotics etc (Avanzato, 1998;Barnes, 2002;Genalo, 1997;Goldweber et al, 2001;Lawhead, P. & Bland, 2001;Fagin, 2000;Wolz, 2001). In an attempt to get the most detailed literature review possible regarding the use of LM as a teaching tool, we sought those institutions which have integrated LM in their syllabus.…”

Teaching introductory Java through LEGO MINDSTORMS models

“…Furthermore, the physical constraints of the coding and debugging cycle mean that good design and planning have to have a high priority in students' thinking [17]. In addition, for some students, controlling a physical model is likely to have much more appeal than controlling a graphical representation of what is, after all, meant to be a simulation of a physical model.…”

“…With only a single small LCD line on the RCX to print to, lack of feedback can be a problem, unless you are prepared to communicate back to the host PC via the IR device! While as a teacher one might hope that this would make students more systematic in their approach to problem solving [17], students may simply find it frustrating.…”

Mobile robot programming in education

“…First, it emphasizes robot programming whereas many other classes also cover robot morphology and construction. For example, the courses discussed in [3], [4], [5] use commercially-available parts (LEGO bricks), but require the students to assemble the robot. Similarly, some other courses, such as those discussed in [6], [7], use custom kits which the students must first build.…”