LEGO Mindstorms™ for informed metrics in virtual worlds

Abstract

Science education is the meaningful pursuit of comprehension, knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes. In Vygotskian, social-constructivist learning, personal interpretation, decision making and community cooperation fosters long-term understanding and transference of learned concepts. In short, the construction of knowledge requires learners to be actively involved in the process of learning. For effective science learning an instructor's pedagogical approach must be anchored in meaningful contexts so that students experience science. This research paper assesses and defines effective measurements for evaluating strategies for communicating science using LEGO robots and a Mindstorms™ RCX controller collaboratively constructed and programmed by students using virtual technologies while physically situated in different locations.