Observations of Young Children Solving Problems with Computers and Robots

摘要

Abstract Children from age 3 to 7 years were observed in spontaneous and structured situations using computer graphics and battery-operated robots. The computer graphics included graphic tablets, light pens, and joystick-operated cartoon animation. The robot construction kit had plastic limbs that could be configured into different machines and vehicles with motors that were attached by insulated wire to a switch console. These observations are summarized according to the developmental trends found within five areas of problem solving: cause and effect relations, spatial relations, binary logic relations, the coordination of multiple variables, and reflectivity. It was discovered that computer graphics, because of unique operative features, can enhance reflectivity in ways not possible with conventional media. It was also found that the robots present a rich problem-solving environment for pairs of children as they try to coordinate their commands to a single robot.