Algo-AR: Development of an Augmented Reality-Supported Tangible Programming Tool to Improve Algorithmic Thinking Skills

Year 2024, Volume: 17 Issue: 2, 59 - 69, 30.04.2024

Zeynep Çipiloğlu Yıldız , Süleyman Doğan

https://doi.org/10.17671/gazibtd.1398781

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to develop an educational tool to help children acquire algorithmic thinking skills at an early age while having fun. The methodology combines modern technologies and approaches such as augmented reality (AR), gamification, and tangible user interfaces. In this application, the coding components consist of specially designed tangible command blocks in the form of jigsaw puzzle pieces. The application contains a 3D multi-level game environment, and the user is expected to control the game character by constructing an algorithm with physical command blocks. The constructed algorithm is scanned using a mobile AR application and converted into code that controls the game environment. The major design considerations during the development of this application were simplicity and accessibility. All design decisions were delineated extensively in the paper. In conclusion, an augmented reality-based gamified tangible programming kit is proposed to improve children’s algorithmic thinking skills at an early age. The application requires only a smartphone and printable command blocks. Thus, an inexpensive, accessible, and entertaining educational tool is developed.

Keywords

algorithmic thinking, augmented reality, gamification, heuristic evaluation, STEM, tangible user interfaces

Algo-AR: Algoritmik Düşünme Becerilerinin Geliştirilmesi İçin Artırılmış Gerçeklik Destekli bir Somut Programlama Aracı Geliştirilmesi

Abstract

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, çocukların eğlenirken algoritmik düşünme becerilerini erken yaşta kazanmalarına yardımcı olacak bir eğitim aracı geliştirmektir. Metodoloji, artırılmış gerçeklik (AG), oyunlaştırma ve somut kullanıcı arayüzleri gibi modern teknolojileri ve yaklaşımları birleştirmektedir. Bu uygulamada kodlama bileşenleri, yapboz parçaları şeklinde özel olarak tasarlanmış fiziksel komut bloklarından oluşmaktadır. Uygulama, çeşitli seviyeleri olan üç boyutlu bir oyun ortamı içermekte ve kullanıcının fiziksel komut blokları ile bir algoritma oluşturarak oyun karakterini kontrol etmesi beklenmektedir. Oluşturulan algoritma bir mobil artırılmış gerçeklik uygulaması ile taranmakta ve oyun ortamını kontrol eden koda dönüştürülmektedir. Bu uygulamanın geliştirilmesi sırasında tasarımda dikkat edilen başlıca hususlar basitlik ve erişilebilirlik olmuştur. Tüm tasarım kararları makalede kapsamlı bir şekilde açıklanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, erken yaştaki çocukların algoritmik becerilerini geliştirmek için artırılmış gerçeklik destekli oyunlaştırılmış somut bir programlama aracı önerilmiştir. Uygulama yalnızca bir akıllı telefona ve yazdırılabilir komut bloklarına ihtiyaç duymaktadır. Böylece ucuz, erişilebilir ve eğlenceli bir eğitim aracı geliştirilmiştir.

Keywords

algoritmik düşünme, artırılmış gerçeklik, oyunlaştırma, sezgisel değerlendirme, STEM, somut kullanıcı arayüzleri

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