April Butler |
SCHOOL: Tougaloo College
MAJOR: Computer Science MENTOR: Dr. Pamela Lawhead EXPECTED GRADUATION DATE: May 2003 ORGANIZATIONS & HONORS:
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ABSTRACT
Revolutionizing Computer Science Instruction: leJOS, Robots, and CS I
| In the past, introductory computer science classes have been taught to students using a model of computing as calculation. Students have been taught that programs are executed in a set path. Presently, new types of programming, one such as event programming, have allowed students to become more interactive with the computer and to demonstrate more control over the programs. Event programming enables students to apply the knowledge they have gained to real world problems and to solve these problems efficiently. TinyVM and leJOS, two types of virtual machines for the LEGO Mindstorm RCX brick, have enabled students to experience event programming in closed labs first hand. Since TinyVM has many limitations, leJOS can be considered the best method for teaching event programming in Computer Science I classes. |