Myles McNally
Papers
5
Total Citations
62
H-Index
4
About
Myles McNally is a pioneering educator and researcher in computer science education, best known for his groundbreaking work integrating Lego MindStorms robotics into the undergraduate curriculum. His most influential contributions center on demonstrating how affordable robotics platforms can transform core CS courses, from introductory programming to artificial intelligence. His landmark 2006 paper, "Do Lego MindStorms Robots Have a Future in CS Education?" (34 citations), sparked widespread discussion about hands-on, project-based learning. McNally further advanced the field by developing curricular materials for the NXT platform, showing how its improved processor and memory enable sophisticated AI projects, including Bayesian filtering and Monte Carlo localization for mapping and localization. His work "Walking the Grid: Robotics in CS 2" (5 citations) illustrates how robotics can make data structures like stacks and queues tangible and engaging for second-year students. Through these efforts, McNally has demonstrated that even modest robotics platforms can deliver deep, motivating learning experiences, influencing how countless institutions approach CS education. His research remains a touchstone for educators seeking to bridge theory and practice.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Do lego mindstorms robots have a future in CS education?34 citations · 2006
- 2Do lego mindstorms robots have a future in CS education?12 citations · 2006
- 3Demonstrating the Capabilities of MindStorms NXT for the AI Curriculum9 citations · 2007
- 4Walking the grid: robotics in CS 25 citations · 2006
- 5