Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Pearl Brereton is a computing education researcher whose work centers on innovative approaches to teaching programming, particularly through the use of simulated robotics and interactive tools. Her research addresses a persistent challenge in computer science education: how to effectively introduce novice learners — including high school students and prospective teachers — to foundational programming concepts in engaging and accessible ways. Brereton's most significant contribution is her development and evaluation of Kebot, a robot simulator designed specifically as an introductory programming teaching tool. Her landmark multi-case study (2014), which has garnered 18 citations, rigorously assessed Kebot's effectiveness across four structured 10-hour programming interventions, demonstrating the practical value of simulated robotic environments for learning. This work was grounded in a systematic literature review, lending it strong methodological credibility. Her 2011 study examining prospective high school teachers' experiences with programming tools (12 citations) highlights her concern for the broader pipeline of computing education, particularly in contexts where CS remains underrepresented in curricula. Together, her publications reflect a commitment to evidence-based pedagogical design, bridging academic research and classroom practice to make programming more approachable for learners at critical early stages of their computing journey.