Holly Patterson-McNeill

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Holly Patterson-McNeill is a pioneer in educational robotics and software engineering pedagogy, best known for integrating the LEGO Mindstorms platform into undergraduate computer science curricula. Her groundbreaking work demonstrates how programmable toys can serve as powerful tools for teaching software analysis, design, and development. Her most influential paper, "Learn how to develop software using the toy LEGO Mindstorms" (2003, 32 citations), showcases how students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi implemented seven robotics applications as final projects, bridging theoretical concepts with hands-on practice. A companion resource paper (2001, 23 citations) further catalogs essential online communities and technical features of the RIS, becoming a go-to guide for educators worldwide. Patterson-McNeill also championed multidisciplinary, student-centered learning environments, as evidenced by her NSF-supported laboratory design (2003, 6 citations) that served freshmen through seniors. Her work has shaped how introductory programming and software engineering courses engage students, making abstract concepts tangible through robotics. With a career focused on accessible, project-based learning, Patterson-McNeill remains a key figure in the movement to democratize computing education through playful, yet rigorous, technological exploration.