A Tangible Programming Tool for Children to Cultivate Computational Thinking. (25th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Danli; Wang, Tingting; Liu, Zhen
• Other Names: Esposito C. Academic Editor.; Greevy O. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-02-25
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/428080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : Game and creation are activities which have good potential for computational thinking skills. In this paper we present T-Maze, an economical tangible programming tool for children aged 5–9 to build computer programs in maze games by placing wooden blocks. Through the use of computer vision technology, T-Maze provides a live programming interface with real-time graphical and voice feedback. We conducted a user study with 7 children using T-Maze to play two levels of maze-escape games and create their own mazes. The results show that T-Maze is not only easy to use, but also has the potential to help children cultivate computational thinking like abstraction, problem decomposition, and creativity.