I. El-Aroussi

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About

I. El-Aroussi is a researcher whose work bridges the gap between software engineering education and tangible, interactive systems. Their key research areas include educational robotics, open-source hardware platforms, and the pedagogy of computer science. El-Aroussi’s major contribution is the development of the MIddlesex RoboTic platfOrm (MIRTO), an open-source robotic system designed to give first-year computer science students a physical, hands-on experience with abstract software engineering concepts. Since its introduction in the 2013/2014 academic year, MIRTO has been used as a core teaching tool, allowing students to see their code come to life and thereby deepening their understanding of software design, testing, and iteration. The foundational paper on MIRTO (2018) has garnered 3 citations, reflecting its niche but significant impact on computing education. This work is notable for its practical, student-centered approach to demystifying complex topics, making El-Aroussi a key figure in the movement toward experiential learning in early computer science curricula.