Use of augmented reality to teach basic computing concepts

Abstract

Being able to create a computer program is one of the main skill that the younger generations must be capable to have, beginning in their earliest stages of education. We believe that this will be a determinant factor in accessing to more rewarding professional careers and, hopefully, a better quality of life. However, it is noticeable how despite having ubiquitous access to computer equipment they often are unable to produce digital content. One of the main reasons is the lack of familiarity with the basic concepts required to structure a computer program. Our approach aims to curve that problem by offering our users with an introduction to computer programming that uses their own physical space as a testing ground, via their smartphones. We employ the Karel programming language and augmented reality to help students master the basic skills required for creating their own code. In this paper we present the earliest results of our basic prototyping tests and a scope of the following implementation stages.