Educational Robotics. Gamifying the Classroom with Arduino - Málaga, Spain

Computing is a creative human activity that engenders innovation and promotes exploration among students. It can change the way children think, what they learn, and how they interact with peers and adults.

Unfortunately, most children use computers only occasionally at school — and usually only when their teachers want to add variety or rewards to the curriculum. Unfortunate children use mostly drill-and-practice software, their teachers stating that their goal for using computers is to increase basic skills rather than develop problem-solving or creative skills (Becker 1990, Hickey 1993).

Scratch and App Inventor is a programming language and an online community where students can program and share interactive materials, stories, games and animations with people around the world. When children create using Scratch they learn how to think creatively, work collaboratively and reason systematically. Its goal is based on boosting logical thinking and introducing children and teenagers with basic programming knowledge and skills by using video games and Smartphone apps.

Since videogames from game consoles like PSP or PlayStation play a pivotal role in many students’ lives, why not taking advantage of them to boost their learning? The proposal is very easy: creating a simple video game using Scratch that introduces teacher to programming and sets the necessary foundations to foster logical and creative thinking.

This course will foster programmes knowledge among teachers that allow them to create animations, stories, games and interactive multimedia activities in an intuitive manner.