A CS1 maze lab, using joysticks and MIPPETs

Abstract

We are designing a number of programming projects which utilize input/output devices, such as joysticks or a homebrewed board we call a MIPPET (Module for Input/Output Programming Projects Enhancing Teaching). These projects have been used or will be used in the closed labs of our CSl course (taught in C++). The goal of these projects is to enhance student comprehension (by teaching objects with "real" objects) and student motivation (by providing "fun' projects). This paper focuses on an early project, where the student's program provides support for a human solving a maze.

Pre-games

“…Examples include assigning game-like programs [3,4,6], programs simulating real-world data structures (e.g., simulating operating system queues) [2], or introducing concrete examples of data structures, such as binary trees made from PVC pipe [1]. _____________ Permission to make digital or hand copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page.…”