Programmable Bricks: Toys to think with

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the applicat[ons ant! implications of the Programmable Bricks -s tiny, portable computer embecfded~nside a LE~Q'J brick, capable of interacting with the phys!cal world in a large variety of ways. We describe how Programmable Bricks make possible a wide range of new design activities for children, and we discuss experiences in using Programmable Bricks in three types of applications: autonomous creatures, active environments, and personal science experiments.

Design-Based Learning in Classrooms Using Playful Digital Toolkits

“…The concepts of the two design cases were iteratively developed by applying a user centred design approach, incorporating input from diverse stakeholders. The design cases contributed to the development of the framework but are in addiction to this a result on its own, showing how DBL with digital toolkits could look in practice [25]. Finally, in the conclusion we will discuss and reflect upon the uncovered requirements and the two final DBL concepts we created.…”

“…Together the toolkit and DBL process should offer the possibility to meet learning goals: set by the curriculum of the (Dutch) government such, 21 st century skills and the development of an awareness for the value of technology in society [11]. The toolkit must be designed to be open ended as to be applicable with different design briefs and different end results [25]. Next to that it must allow children who may have different learning styles and approaches to work with it [4].…”

Crossed Wires

“…For example, 'Programmable Bricks' [38] enabled children to easily create physical computing devices by connecting sensors and motors to a computer embedded in a LEGO brick and program them using the Logo programming language. Phidgets [17] are 'physical widgets' that facilitate rapid prototyping with minimal electronics knowledge.…”

Integrating craft materials and computation

“…The working prototype shown in Figure 3 employs one of the MIT Media Lab's "crickets" (or programmable Lego bricks [14]) to provide the computation for the device, and shape memory alloy actuators to open and close the hinge. While the prototype is still rather unwieldy-the computational element here is not sufficiently integrated within the craft object itself-the result is nonetheless a hinge-like object that can be programmed with simple behaviors such as "open and close five times; wait one minute; then repeat indefinitely".…”