The use of LEGO Mindstorms NXT Robots in the Teaching of Introductory Java Programming to Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a project carried out within the University of Sunderland’s Department of Computing, Engineering and Technology during the 2008/9 academic year to investigate the potential for the use of LEGO Mindstorms NXT robots in the teaching of basic programming skills to undergraduate students. The project’s initial proposal and context is discussed, with potential benefits identified and feedback methods outlined. The paper then describes of students and evaluates the student feedback and results obtained. In addition, a number of spin-off projects are the operational issues encountered when the project was implemented for two separate cohorts described which have provided additional benefits to students, the department and local schoolchildren. The paper concludes by outlining future work which is being carried out at the University of Sunderland as a result of this project.