Enhancing programming learning environment with physical computing and robotics: a case study of the American University of Kuwait

Abstract

Physical computing provides numerous possibilities of interaction with the physical world, providing students with high-impact feedback through tangible data, enhancing the sense of responsibility by having to be cautious not only about a red-highlighted error message on the screen but much further to real problems with real systems. In this paper, we will present our case at the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at the American University of Kuwait in introducing hardware devices, sensors, actuators, effectors, circuits and robots through a series of designed labs and experiences that progress from basic through intermediate to advanced skills. Further, we present the results of a course exist survey that shows the responses of all participating students. The analysis of the survey showed significant positive impact on many aspects including: student engagement, programming skills, hardware and physical computing exposure and student future retention. The overall mean of positive responses was 92.04%.