Explorations in computational tinkering
Name
1026503146-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
8.27 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
8bf6510940b6c2ae94000bace22e0ef8
Author(s)
Presicce, Carmelo(Carmelo Giuseppe)
Advisor(s)
Mitchel Resnick.
Date Issued
2017
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in tools and strategies to support computational thinking, emphasizing a systematic application of computational ideas to problem solving. In this thesis, I focus instead on computational tinkering, exploring tools and strategies to support playful and iterative experimentation with physical and computational materials. I propose two different ways to look at computational tinkering: bringing the playful attitude of tinkering to building with code, and integrating computation into physical tinkering activities. Through four case studies, I describe the design and facilitation of activities for children in different contexts, using a particular tool LEGO Programmable Art Machines. For each case, I share my observations and reflections about children engaging with the activity, to iteratively improve the design of the experience. I conclude by identifying some key characteristics of learning through computational tinkering and proposing directions for further work in the design and outreach of computational tinkering activities and ideas.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2017.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 75-78).
Subjects
Program in Media Arts and Sciences ()
MIT Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Terms of Use
MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
