Dany Meyer

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dany Meyer is a researcher dedicated to transforming how programming is taught to non-specialists, focusing on the intersection of educational technology and human-computer interaction. Her work centers on using physical computing tools—specifically robots—to boost motivation and learning outcomes for students in introductory programming courses, particularly those studying Computer Science as a minor. Meyer’s major contributions include empirically demonstrating the effectiveness of platforms like Lego Mindstorms, Nao, and Anki Vector robots in engaging "non-techies," showing that these "geek toys" can successfully bridge the gap for students who might otherwise struggle with programming. Her most-cited paper, "Nao Robot vs. Lego Mindstorms" (2019, 8 citations), examines how robotics can attract interdisciplinary freshmen to CS, while her 2016 study (5 citations) explores using robots for non-majors. In a controlled laboratory experiment (2020, 3 citations), she further validated the motivational impact of Anki Vector robots. Though her citation counts are modest, Meyer’s work is notable for its practical, hands-on approach to a critical educational challenge—making programming accessible and engaging for all students, not just tech enthusiasts.