Physical computing : A key element of modern computer science education

Hodges, Steve and Sentance, Sue and Finney, Joe and Ball, Thomas (2020) Physical computing : A key element of modern computer science education. IEEE Computer, 53 (4). pp. 20-30. ISSN 0018-9162

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Abstract

Policymakers and educators around the globe acknowledge the importance of computer science (CS) education. But traditional CS teaching tools and methodologies do not necessarily address the needs of a diverse, global student population or the latest developments in modern programming and data science. Physical computing – combining software and hardware to build interactive physical systems that sense and respond to the real world – has been shown to result in broad engagement across a spectrum of users. In this paper we review prior research into physical computing in the classroom and combine this with our own experiences. We summarise the reported benefits and show how recent trends in the design and implementation of physical computing devices and systems are resulting in growing adoption. By way of example, we provide a detailed description of a recently developed physical computing system, the BBC micro:bit.