Building computational thinking skills using robots with first-year engineering students

Abstract

This research paper describes the transition of content in a first year experience (FYE) course at Mississippi State University (MSU) for computer science (CS) and software engineering (SE) majors to a project-based, hands-on approach to building skills in computational thinking and teamwork. While critical thinking ability and the dynamics of working in a team have been emphasized in the class through individual and team-based assignments previously, the use of technology has been limited. Recent experience with a summer outreach program for middle and high school students suggests that students build confidence in problem solving by using a simple programming language with robotic concepts.1 Building off of this experience, students in this first year engineering course were introduced to programming with a "drag and drop" interface and a robot. Teams were challenged to explore the robot's capabilities and brainstorm a project idea to design and implement. This project-based approach was expected to demonstrate an increased confidence in applying computing and technology among first semester students. Results of this first implementation are presented.