Didactic Module with Sphero Robotics: Approaches in Learning Programming

Abstract

Education in 21st century revolve among the context of knowledge-based economy which recognize knowledge as a source of competitiveness that emphasize in the increasing importance of science, research, technology, and innovation in knowledge creation; and the use of computers and the Internet to generate, share, and apply knowledge. This study discusses on the approaches and considerations used during the development of Sphero robot-based learning modules. The module was developed for the Problem Solving and Program Design course considering on two main factors restrictions of space and resource available to be mapped to related sub-topics involved that support Sphero activities. A didactic principal approach is also considered to be embed in the module where instruction related to learning that involve multidisciplinary are directly planned and present through the student’s activities to achieve the learning objectives. In this paper, we discuss on four core components of Computational Thinking approach correlated to problem solving in learning programming. The development of module should stimulate student interest in learning programming concepts. The propose module does not focus on the use of Robotics as the main subject on its own, but as a tool during teaching and learning purposes to embed the simplicity of programming notion.