Algorithm, Pseudo-Code and Lego Mindstorms Programming

Abstract

This paper presents a pilot study which investigated the way prospective primary school teachers handled the process of converting an algorithm - pseudo-code to a program while working with the programming environment of the Robolab programming tool of Lego Mindstorms. Participants had to program the behavior of a Lego robotic construction, using appropriate worksheets, analyzing the problem given, designing algorithms composing pseudo-codes and constructing programs in the Robolab environment. Observation of the participants' work showed that they handled all of the aforementioned processes productively and without any difficulties. They composed the algorithms easily in every step, they used the natural language to make the pseudo-codes and they converted them to a program in a simple manner. Participants found the activities very interesting from a pedagogical perspective.