Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children - IDC '13, 2013
ABSTRACT In this paper we present a novel approach to the design of game-based learning environme... more ABSTRACT In this paper we present a novel approach to the design of game-based learning environments in which the content to be taught is embodied by the opponents the learners compete against as they play. By providing the player with the resources to make sense of the concepts exemplified by their opponents, as well as the tools needed to incorporate the concepts into their own gameplay strategy, players are challenged to learn from their opponents in order to advance in the game. This paper introduces RoboBuilder, a blocks-based, program-to-play game that uses this design strategy to introduce programming novices to core computer science concepts. Along with more fully developing this design principle, we provide evidence from a preliminary study conducted with RoboBuilder of players learning from their opponents to create winning strategies that use the concepts designed into the opponents they are facing.
Proceedings of the extended abstracts of the 32nd annual ACM conference on Human factors in computing systems - CHI EA '14, 2014
ABSTRACT We present the design of an interactive tabletop exhibit intended to engage visitors in ... more ABSTRACT We present the design of an interactive tabletop exhibit intended to engage visitors in free-form computer programming activities at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. We describe our design goals and outline challenges associated with creating this interactive experience for a free-choice learning environment. We review results of testing sessions with users from our target audience across three successive prototypes.
Proceeding of the 44th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education - SIGCSE '13, 2013
ABSTRACT This workshop, intended for CS educators from middle school through undergrad, will intr... more ABSTRACT This workshop, intended for CS educators from middle school through undergrad, will introduce participants to NetLogo. NetLogo is an easy-to-learn multi-agent language and integrated modeling environment in widespread use in classrooms (and research labs) globally. This hands-on tutorial will highlight computational modeling in the natural and social sciences, tie in core computer science concepts, and discuss how to promote student thinking about decentralized systems. The workshop will draw on the presenters' own experiences teaching courses on computational science, computational art, theory of computation, and educational outreach events. Participants will learn first-hand how NetLogo can enrich a variety of computing courses. NetLogo runs on Mac/Linux/Windows. Laptop required.
Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children - IDC '13, 2013
ABSTRACT In this paper we present a novel approach to the design of game-based learning environme... more ABSTRACT In this paper we present a novel approach to the design of game-based learning environments in which the content to be taught is embodied by the opponents the learners compete against as they play. By providing the player with the resources to make sense of the concepts exemplified by their opponents, as well as the tools needed to incorporate the concepts into their own gameplay strategy, players are challenged to learn from their opponents in order to advance in the game. This paper introduces RoboBuilder, a blocks-based, program-to-play game that uses this design strategy to introduce programming novices to core computer science concepts. Along with more fully developing this design principle, we provide evidence from a preliminary study conducted with RoboBuilder of players learning from their opponents to create winning strategies that use the concepts designed into the opponents they are facing.
Proceedings of the extended abstracts of the 32nd annual ACM conference on Human factors in computing systems - CHI EA '14, 2014
ABSTRACT We present the design of an interactive tabletop exhibit intended to engage visitors in ... more ABSTRACT We present the design of an interactive tabletop exhibit intended to engage visitors in free-form computer programming activities at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. We describe our design goals and outline challenges associated with creating this interactive experience for a free-choice learning environment. We review results of testing sessions with users from our target audience across three successive prototypes.
Proceeding of the 44th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education - SIGCSE '13, 2013
ABSTRACT This workshop, intended for CS educators from middle school through undergrad, will intr... more ABSTRACT This workshop, intended for CS educators from middle school through undergrad, will introduce participants to NetLogo. NetLogo is an easy-to-learn multi-agent language and integrated modeling environment in widespread use in classrooms (and research labs) globally. This hands-on tutorial will highlight computational modeling in the natural and social sciences, tie in core computer science concepts, and discuss how to promote student thinking about decentralized systems. The workshop will draw on the presenters' own experiences teaching courses on computational science, computational art, theory of computation, and educational outreach events. Participants will learn first-hand how NetLogo can enrich a variety of computing courses. NetLogo runs on Mac/Linux/Windows. Laptop required.
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Papers by David Weintrop