Explorations in computational tinkering

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.

Department dc:contributor.department

Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Presicce, Carmelo(Carmelo Giuseppe)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mitchel Resnick.

• Program in Media Arts and Sciences ()

Statement dc:rights

• 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.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/114066

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/114066