Facilitating independent learning with Lego Mindstorms robots

This paper describes a project aiming at promoting independent learning among CS1 students. The project used Lego Mindstorms robots as the tool for building a course that could engage students of various levels of learning independence. Based on the Staged Self-Directed Learning Model proposed by Grow, the course hoped to take students to higher levels of learning independence. Lego Mindstorms robots proved their versatility in achieving this objective.