[Follow the project title link for full details.  –Matthew ]

The University of Sussex is offering a PhD scholarship jointly funded by the School of Engineering and Informatics, and the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).

Title:
Embodied programming for primary pupils: supporting the move from concrete to abstract

Supervisors:
Dr Kate Howland
Dr Judith Good

Project Summary:
Primary school pupils are now expected to develop an understanding of computational concepts such as algorithms, and to be able to engage in simple programming tasks. However, little is presently known about how computational understanding develops in younger children. This PhD project will examine existing teaching practices which use embodied approaches to help students develop an understanding of key concepts through physical activities. The development of abstract understandings of central concepts introduced through concrete examples will be studied. The research will then explore the potential for digital augmentation of embodied activities through sensor technologies to support the move from concrete to abstract understanding.

Please forward this email to any potentially interested applicants, and direct any enquires to: k.l.howland@sussex.ac.uk

—
Kate Howland
Lecturer in Interaction Design
Interactive Systems Research Group
Department of Informatics
Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ

Tel: 01273 877218
Email: k.l.howland@sussex.ac.uk