@conference{Eri2017,
Author = {Erika Root, Maren Steinkamp, Beatrice Coldewey, Christin Poloczek, Frederik Scharnowski, Marlon Willms, Mark Kettner, Marion Koelle, Swamy Ananthanarayan},
Title = {Grasping Algorithms – Exploring Toys that Teach Computational Thinking},

Year = {2017},
Booktitle = {MUM 2017, November 26–29, 2017, Stuttgart, Germany},
Organization = {MUM},
Doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3152832.3156620},
type = {conference},
Abstract = {Computational thinking has received increased attention
over the past several years and is considered by many to
be a fundamental and necessary literacy for children. One
approach to teaching this skill has been through tangible
programming since it facilitates intuitive interaction with children.
In this paper, we introduce CodeTrain and CodeBox,
two motorized toys whose behavior can be programmed
through wooden building blocks without the use of a computer,
tablet, or screen-based interface. The goal with both
these designs is to foster playful exploration of computational
thinking in pre-adolescent children through tangible
objects. We describe the design process from the conceptual
design to the functional prototype. Furthermore, we
present first impressions of the prototypes from a pilot study
and highlight some lessons learned from our first iteration.}
}
@COMMENT{Bibtex file generated on }