Teaching of Computer Science Topics Using Meta-Programming-Based GLOs and LEGO Robots

• Main Authors: Vytautas STUIKYS, Renata BURBAITE, Robertas DAMASEVICIUS
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vilnius University 2013-04-01
• Series: Informatics in Education
• Subjects: learning object (LO); generative learning object (GLO); LEGO NXT robot; CS teaching; educational visualization
• Online Access: http://www.mii.lt/informatics_in_education/pdf/INFE215.pdf

The paper's contribution is a methodology that integrates two basic technologies (GLO and LEGO robot) to teach Computer Science (CS) topics at the school level. We present the methodology as a framework of 5 components (pedagogical activities, technology driven processes, tools, knowledge transfer actors, and pedagogical outcomes) and interactions among the components. GLOs are meta-programmed entities to generate LO instances on demand depending on the context of use and learning objectives. A GLO is a black-box entity, which is integrated in the framework through the generating process to source the teaching and learning process via robot-based visualization to demonstrate how programs and algorithms are transformed into real-world tasks and processes. The methodology is tested in the real e-learning setting. The pedagogical outcomes are evaluated by empirical data showing the increase of student engagement level, higher flexibility and reuse enhancement in learning.