Dancing Computer: Computer Literacy though Dance

Abstract

The Dancing Computer project is developing a system that aims to increase computer literacy in elementary-aged children by teaching them first to read code before they write it. The main objective is to educate children on basic concepts of Computer Science. Children are given tablet computers that present a simple program line-by-line that they execute as they pretend to be a computer. The programs are acted out on a portable dance floor consisting of colored tiles and the program statements instruct the child to move, turn, and act out dance poses and terminology. This is a unique and different approach - the norm being to start students off writing code in some language. This project has the potential to increase the level of Computer Literacy for thousands of children. This project's goal is to increase understanding of what a computer does, what a program does, and the step-by-step nature of computer programs.