Home // ACHI 2022, The Fifteenth International Conference on Advances in Computer-Human Interactions // View article
Authors:
Thomas Groechel
Nisha Chatwani
Chloe Kuo
Maja Mataric
Keywords: embodied learning, block-based programming, education, human-computer interaction
Abstract:
As interest and need for computer science skills continue to grow, educators have been teaching block-based programming languages to young students. Such languages are intuitive and widely available, but have not as yet explored embodied (i.e., kinesthetic) learning techniques. To explore the use of embodied learning for teaching programming, we created PoseToCode (P2C), a web-based embodied learning programming activity in which students perform physical poses with their arms to create code blocks that control an on-screen robot. We first conducted a pilot study to identify key P2C design considerations. We used those insights to finalize P2C and then deployed it in a local 5th grade class (n=24, 10 students completed all surveys) to measure P2C usability, compare it to a seated block-based programming activity (Code.org), identify new design considerations, and explore if P2C increased student curiosity in learning coding. Our results support P2C as a usable system design, show no difference in student curiosity when compared to a traditional block-based programming language, and identify potential improvements to our design considerations for future activities that integrate embodied learning with block-based programming. This work aims to inform the process of creating usable and effective systems for block-based programming and embodied learning activities.
Pages: 104 to 110
Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2022
Publication date: June 26, 2022
Published in: conference
ISSN: 2308-4138
ISBN: 978-1-61208-982-9
Location: Porto, Portugal
Dates: from June 26, 2022 to June 30, 2022