Enhancing Student Learning Experiences in Computer Programming Classes using Robotics
- Conference
- Location
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Tampa, Florida
- Publication Date
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June 15, 2019
- Start Date
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June 15, 2019
- End Date
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June 19, 2019
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Computing and Information Technology
- Page Count
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8
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--32749
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/32749
- Download Count
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491
Paper Authors
Masoud Naghedolfeizi Fort Valley State University
Dr.Masoud Naghedolfeizi is a senior professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Fort Valley State University. His academic background includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with minor in instrumentation and control, an M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, and M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering. Dr. Naghedolfeizi’s research interests include instrumentation and measurement systems, applied artificial intelligence, machine learning, and engineering education. He is the author of numerous research and pedagogical articles in his areas of expertise and has obtained several externally funded projects in the fields of computing and engineering.
Xiangyan Zeng Fort Valley State University
Xiangyan Zeng received her Ph.D. in computer science from University of the Ryukyus, Japan. She is currently a professor of computer science at Fort Valley State University. Her research interests include image processing, pattern recognition and machine learning.
Chunhua Dong
Fort Valley State University
orcid.org/0000-0002-7026-6643
She received the B.E. degree in 2010 from Quanzhou Normal University, China, the M.E. degree in 2012 from Hainan University, Hainan, China, and the D.E. degree in 2016 from Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan. She is currently a Post-doctoral Associate at Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Fort Valley State University, United State. Her research interests include image processing and analysis, pattern recognition, medical image registration, medical image segmentation and digital watermarking.
Abstract
College level computer programming is known to be challenging and difficult to learn, even after reviewing the subject several times. Research has indicated that learning through application and reflection could enhance student learning of the subject particularly in computer programming. To this end, programmable robots could be utilized to supplement programming activities that encourage and motivate students to apply their creative thinking and programming skills to devise solutions for real-world problems. Since developing a computer program to instruct a robot provides an immediate feedback as whether the program has accomplished its job, it engages students in both learning and reflection processes.
This paper presents the application of an affordable programmable robot in three computer programming classes; namely, Computer Science and Information Systems: An Overview (CS0), Programming I (CS1), and Programming II (CS2). Also, the survey results of student feedback regarding the level of their interest in programming before and after robotic activities, the challenges of programming a robot, and their overall rating of integrating robotic activities in programming classes are presented and discussed.
Naghedolfeizi, M., & Zeng, X., & Dong, C. (2019, June), Enhancing Student Learning Experiences in Computer Programming Classes using Robotics Paper presented at 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Tampa, Florida. 10.18260/1-2--32749
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