Hands-on Demonstration of the Finch Robot - Integrating Robotics in Introductory Programming Classes

Keeping students engaged and motivated is one of the major struggles I face in introductory programming classes. The challenge is finding interesting, real-life activities that will work in whatever programming language is being taught. The Finch Robot, developed by Tom Lauwers, is inexpensive, portable to many current programming languages and fun for students. Our Intro to CS I, Intro to CS II and Visual Basic courses are ideal for using the Finch Robot. Students can learn coding techniques such as loops, selection statements and methods as well as advanced coding such as classes and abstract data types. This hands-on demonstration will allow participants to install the JES+Finch software and create programs that will run the Finch Robots.