Peer Review

Programming Languages

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: In this activity related to computer programming, learners give directions to a "robot" (either an adult or another learner) and find out which instructions the robot is able to follow, and how their instructions are taken literally. This activity will simulate how computers follow instructions very precisely, which can be frustrating at times. This activity also helps learners understand instruction set size (large complex vs. small efficient).
Type of Material:: Non-computer activity: Simulation
Recommended Uses:: Classroom activity for school children.
Technical Requirements:: Browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The objective is to teach children what programs and instructions are.
Target Student Population:: Classroom activity for school children.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Nil

Rating:

Strengths:

The activity is simple and clear.

It introduces the bas concept of programming.

The activity helps demonstrate the basic concept.

The material is concise.

In summary, this involves the children and they will happily participate and learn something .

Rating:

Strengths:

It is generally effective to use a game-baed activity to introduce basic programming concept.

The learning objectives are clear in general.

It can be used as an interesting in-class activity.

Concerns:

There is no assessment element.

Rating:

Strengths:

It is easy to use and follow (i.e., with clear instructions).

The interface design is satisfactory (e.g., with diagrams).

The game-based activity can engage users.

Overall, this is an effective learning activity (i.e., easy to implement in a classroom).

Other Issues and Comments:: This should really be grouped into a single "CS Unplugged" entry as it actually represents a "chapter" of that collection.
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