Michaele E. Duncan

Papers

Total Citations

119

H-Index

About

Michaele E. Duncan is a pioneer in computing education, best known for transforming how introductory programming is taught. Her key research area is the pedagogy of computer science, with a specific focus on using LEGO Mindstorms robots to make abstract concepts tangible and engaging for beginners. Duncan’s most influential work, the 2002 paper *“A road map for teaching introductory programming using LEGO© mindstorms robots,”* has accumulated over 90 citations, establishing her as a leading voice in hands-on, constructivist learning. In this landmark paper, she advocated for a paradigm shift away from traditional sequential programming toward an event-driven, concurrent model of computation—a philosophy that aligns naturally with the physical, reactive nature of robotics. By demonstrating how robots can illustrate coordination and real-time interaction, Duncan provided a concrete, motivating context for students grappling with foundational CS1 concepts. She further contributed to the field by curating and sharing best assignments for the LEGO-Java environment at SIGCSE 2003, helping to build a community of practice around this innovative approach. Duncan’s work remains a cornerstone reference for educators seeking to lower barriers to entry and inspire the next generation of computer scientists through playful, authentic problem-solving.