Alice and robotics in introductory CS courses

Abstract

Statistics for underrepresented minority groups and women continue to show low numbers in enrollment and rates of retention in academic computer science programs. A new approach to increase student interest in computer science in a first year program is introduced. Laboratory modules for an introductory programming course have been developed at the University of Alabama with the goal to increase student motivation and understanding of fundamental programming concepts. The course utilizes robots and Alice, a 3D graphical programming environment. The drag and drop interface of Alice allows students to program real robots using instructions that correspond to statements of programming languages such as Java, C++, and C#. Students gain programming experience that is transferable to upper level courses by engaging in a stimulating and less frustrating environment using Alice interfaced with robots.