Computer literacy through dance: the dancing computer project
International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications
ISSN: 1742-7371
Article publication date: 3 April 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the design and evolution of the Dancing Computer project. Dancing Computer is an ongoing research project at the Michigan State University, which is developing a system that aims to increase computer literacy in elementary-aged children by teaching them first to read code before they write it. The main objective is to educate children on basic concepts of computer science.
Design/methodology/approach
Children are given tablet computers that present a simple program line-by-line that they execute as they pretend to be a computer. The programs are acted out on a portable dance floor consisting of colored tiles, and the program statements instruct the child to move, turn and act out dance poses and terminology.
Findings
The Dancing Computer prototype was tested in six different locations in 2016, reaching approximately 250 students. Learning was demonstrated by significant improvements in both task duration and error performance as students performed the activities. The most common errors were movement errors, where participants failed to move the correct number of squares.
Social implications
This project has the potential to increase the level of computer literacy for thousands of children. This project’s goal is to increase understanding of what a computer does, what a program does and the step-by-step nature of computer programs.
Originality/value
This is a unique and a different approach – the norm being to start students off writing code in some language. In Dancing Computer stages children as readers of programs, allowing them to pretend to be a computer in a fun and engaging activity while also learning how computers execute real programs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding for this research was provided by a grant from the Dart Foundation. Original music generously provided by Bill Sallak, Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. David Kanouse provided patterns of movement that were incorporated into many of the dances. Special thanks are in order for the Michigan State University Theatre Summer Camp, the Lansing iTEC summer camp and Impression 5 Science Center for allowing the authors to work with a very diverse groups of students.
Citation
Owen, C.B., Dillon, L., Dobbins, A., Rhodes, M., Levinson, M. and Keppers, N. (2017), "Computer literacy through dance: the dancing computer project", International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 26-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPCC-02-2017-0012
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited