Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to develop a coding unit for students in grades 5-8 as an introductory programming course using the programming language SNAP! with a Finch robotics platform. The robotics platform provides a means of student engagement that allows them to complete computer programming challenges that drive interest and motivation. A series of five major learning activities were created as part of a middle school technology exploratory course. The beta testers included the four course instructors and around 30 of middle school student volunteers. The designed unit was implemented once as a pilot, and was being implemented for the second time after making some modifications. The preliminary findings show that students enjoyed learning about basic programming concepts, or coding, and would be interested in pursuing similar types of projects and teachers had a positive experience. This model could be expanded to a full-term course as more modules are completed.
Author: William V. Gruman
Language: English
Subfield: Computer Science Applications
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2956000209