The application of LeJOS, Lego Mindstorms Robotics, in an LMS environment to teach children Java programming and technology at an early age

Abstract

This project is designed to enhance the interest of teenagers in the fields of robotics and programming. LeJOS© and Lego® Mindstorms® Robotics were used to create and implement a Java programming curriculum in a Learning Management System (LMS). Skills in the STEM fields are required to succeed and grow in the modern job market, so children should learn about technology and programming early on. The project goal was to create a comprehensive and easily reproducible learning program that taught kids about programming and robotics in an engaging way. The course was targeted towards children ages 10-13 with no prior programming or robotics knowledge. The usefulness of the course was tested at a local middle school and an after-school center, measuring how fast students completed the course, how difficult they thought it was, and the effect of the course on students' desire to pursue programming and robotics. Survey results showed more kids were enthusiastic about pursuing programming or robotics as a career as opposed to before taking the course. The course met a 90% student satisfaction rate. For future work, a larger sample size and a refined curriculum should be implemented for an even better success rate. Also, implementing and testing the validity of this course in schools would be a big step, to see how it works in a large scale learning environment. Assistance for acquiring resources was provided by Science Cosmos®, a STEM education facility in Virginia.