Communications of the ACM
National Science Foundation Recognizes Clemson Research Team For Video Linking Creative Movement to Computer Programming Instruction
Clemson University researchers have been recognized by the U.S. National Science Foundation for their video promoting use of the Virtual Environment Interations (VEnvI) programming software.
Credit: Alison Leonard
Clemson University researchers have found unorthodox instruction methods that encourage students to move around the room can be just as effective as traditional teaching in the field of computational thinking. The Clemson research team, Virtual Environment Interactions (VEnvI), recently was recognized by the U.S. National Science Foundation for its work on a video highlighting VEnvI.
The researchers say the project's results strongly suggest alternative teaching methods are effective, and the video's recognition makes it hard to deny that fresh, unique teaching methods can be very effective. "We want to reveal how computer programming can be fun and engaging for those who might perceive it to be boring or difficult," says Clemson professor Alison Leonard.
The VEnvI programming software enables users to design and program a virtual avatar that performs a sequence of movements in a three-dimensional virtual environment. Programmers first learn some of the dance moves available to them before recreating them in the virtual world, and then they are able to perform alongside their avatar or "dance battle" the avatar. Programming and choreographing character movements involves learning computational concepts such as sequencing, looping, and conditionals.
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