Engage Beginning Computer Programmers with Interactive Concepts

Dr. Toni Black, Ph.D. Professor, Information Technology University of New Mexico – Valencia tblack@unm.edu

Getting Student Buy-In Importance of Correct Instructions Interactive Activity

Kinesthetic Learning Wikipedia Definition Teaching & Learning Style Student Actually Carries out Physical Activity Instead of Lecture/Demonstration Leads to Natural Discovery

Main Ideas of Teaching Kinesthetically Have Many Experimental Learning Opportunities Engage in Body Demonstrations Use Group/Paired Learning

Faster Way To Learn Do Anything That Increases Brain Activity TIP: Faster Way To Learn Do Anything That Increases Brain Activity

TIP: Brain Tuned to Biochemistry of Emotions If Causes You to Feel More Likely Remembered Humor, Surprise, Interest

The Perfect Worker 1 Bob Smith, my assistant programmer, can always be found 2 hard at work in his cubicle.  Bob works independently, without 3 wasting company time talking to colleagues.  Bob never 4 thinks twice about assisting fellow employees, and he always 5 finishes given assignments on time.  Often he takes extended 6 measures to complete his work, sometimes skipping coffee 7 breaks.  Bob is a dedicated individual who has absolutely no 8 vanity in spite of his high accomplishments and profound 9 knowledge in his field.  I firmly believe that Bob can be 10 classed as a high-caliber employee, the type which cannot be 11 dispensed with.  Consequently, I duly recommend that Bob be 12 promoted to executive management, and a proposal will be 13 executed as soon as possible.

The Perfect Worker 1 Bob Smith, my assistant programmer, can always be found 2 hard at work in his cubicle.  Bob works independently, without 3 wasting company time talking to colleagues.  Bob never 4 thinks twice about assisting fellow employees, and he always 5 finishes given assignments on time.  Often he takes extended 6 measures to complete his work, sometimes skipping coffee 7 breaks.  Bob is a dedicated individual who has absolutely no 8 vanity in spite of his high accomplishments and profound 9 knowledge in his field.  I firmly believe that Bob can be 10 classed as a high-caliber employee, the type which cannot be 11 dispensed with.  Consequently, I duly recommend that Bob be 12 promoted to executive management, and a proposal will be 13 executed as soon as possible.

Laughter Funny Ways to Teach Importance of Algorithm Put on a Jacket How to Brush Your Teeth

Use Small Group Learning Use Paired Learning TIP: Use Small Group Learning Use Paired Learning

Paired Learning Activity Pair Students To Reproduce a Graphic NO QUESTIONS The Computer doesn't ask any! Switch and Try Again

Use Graphics The Brain is Tuned for Visuals TIP: Use Graphics The Brain is Tuned for Visuals

Learning Binary Code Handout Binary Cards Christmas Lights Worksheet Count in Binary Display Specific Number Christmas Lights Worksheet Compliments of www.csunplugged.com

TIP: Make it Fun Whenever Possible!

Data Data Sizes Use Toddler Legos Variables Make Boxes as "Containers"

Have Students Get Physical TIP: Have Students Get Physical

Logical Operators Activity: Decision Standup Physically Engages Student More Meaningful

Engage in Body Demonstrations Where Motion Means a Concept TIP: Engage in Body Demonstrations Where Motion Means a Concept

Sorting Algorithms Students Act as Elements of Array Try Out Different Sort Algorithms Student Better Understands Visually

TIP: Use Concepts with Familiar Objects In Unexpected Ways Brain is Tuned for Novelty!

Arrays Use Everyday Items Ice Cube Trays Egg Cartons Small Numbers or Letters Sorting Algorithms

Valuable Resource www.csunplugged.com

CS Unplugged.com Many Activities: Created for Kids – Works for Adults Text Compression Error Detection Image Representation Searching Algorithms Many more….. Created for Kids – Works for Adults

Generative NOT something you 'absorb' Active Process Constructs Knowledge Visuallizes Concepts

Collaborative Solve Problems with Others Natural Outcomes Understanding Engagement

Joy Bring Fun into the Classroom Create Curiosity & Innovators Adds Spice to Life and Teaching

Not Expensive Students Themselves as Props Printed on cards or paper Cheap Props from Dollar Store Fun Props from Craft Store

My Findings Kinesthetic Learning: Quicker Understanding of Concepts Module Takes ½ the Time Creates more Relaxed and Creative Atmosphere Reduced Dropout Rate

Dr. Toni Black, Ph.D. Professor, Information Technology University of New Mexico – Valencia tblack@unm.edu