Programming Standing Up

February 25, 2013

In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Texas-San Antonio, Matthew Berland is developing software and high school curricula to teach engineering programming using mobile devices that will allow students to walk around and interact with each other as they develop programs for virtual robotics competitions. The project is driven by the hypothesis that a mobile, collaborative programming platform will improve learning outcomes in designing, generating, and evaluating algorithmic knowledge:  Measurable outcomes focus on learning, transfer of programming knowledge, engagement, and procedures. This research addresses learning and system development.  This project aims to fundamentally change how students learn computer literacy. Rather than sitting at a computer to develop programs, students actively move around and interact in the task of preparing for robot competitions. This work may engage a more diverse group of students in learning the basics of programming, a key skill for the 21st century workforce. More about Berland’s work here.