Kindergarten Children Programming Robots: A First Attempt

Using robots to teach programming is a method to enthuse young people about computer sciences. They are applied by colleges as well as by schools. To rouse young people ́s enthusiasm for technology, the Department of Computer Science – University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien offers robotic classes at a kindergarten for pre-school children (aged five to six years). Simultaneously, they are given an understanding of scientists ́ profession. All activities with the robots are documented by the children themselves, processed and reflected about in complementing talks. To cater to all learning types, a high value is put on using different methods of teaching and the children work actively in workshops. Thus, a strong sense of identification with the project can be ensured in both children and lecturers. The collaterally conducted case study demonstrates the gained findings and enables multipliers to apply this concept adapted to their own needs. Complementing this case-study we recommend using this procedure in kindergartens with a high number of children with migratory background. Also, we point out the limitations of constructivist educational concepts in kindergartens. Keywords— kindergarten, robotics, programming, children as scientists, finite automata