Programming personal robots within an introductory computer science course for engineering majors

Authors:
Shawn Bowers;Kathie Yerion
Affiliations:
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA;Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Venue:
Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
Year:
2013

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Abstract

This paper presents teaching modules for personal robot programming developed to help make introductory computer science more relevant for first-year engineering majors. The modules provide early exposure to the entrepreneurial mindset through student collaboration; creative thinking for ambiguous problems; learning and persisting through failure; and identifying societal needs. Survey results suggest robots as a context for programming can increase interest of engineering majors in computer science and help them retain confidence in their abilities as engineers.