Content area

Abstract

Algorithmic thinking is a central concept in the context of computational thinking, and it is commonly taught by computer programming. A recent trend is to introduce basic programming concepts already very early on at primary school level. There are, however, several challenges in teaching programming at this level: Schools and teachers are often neither equipped nor trained appropriately, and the best way to move from initial "unplugged" activities to creating programs on a computer are still a matter of open debate. In this paper, we describe our experience of a small INTERREG-project aiming at supporting local primary schools in introducing children to programming concepts using Ozobot robots. These robots have two distinct advantages: First, they can be programmed with and without computers, thus helping the transition from unplugged programming to programming with a computer. Second, they are small and easy to transport, even when used together with tablet computers. Although we learned in our outreach events that the use of Ozobots is not without challenges, our overall experience is positive and can hopefully support others in setting up first encounters with programming at primary schools.

Details

1009240
Title
An Experience of Introducing Primary School Children to Programming using Ozobots (Practical Report)
Publication title
arXiv.org; Ithaca
Publication year
2021
Publication date
Aug 16, 2021
Section
Computer Science
Publisher
Cornell University Library, arXiv.org
Source
arXiv.org
Place of publication
Ithaca
Country of publication
United States
University/institution
Cornell University Library arXiv.org
e-ISSN
2331-8422
Source type
Working Paper
Language of publication
English
Document type
Working Paper
Publication history
 
 
Online publication date
2021-08-17
Milestone dates
2020-08-28 (Submission v1); 2021-08-16 (Submission v2)
Publication history
 
 
   First posting date
17 Aug 2021
ProQuest document ID
2439120888
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/working-papers/experience-introducing-primary-school-children/docview/2439120888/se-2?accountid=208611
Full text outside of ProQuest
Copyright
© 2021. This work is published under http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.
Last updated
2021-08-18
Database
ProQuest One Academic