SeeMore: An Interactive Kinetic Sculpture Designed to Teach Parallel Com- putational Thinking

Parallel computing is generally perceived to be difficult topic to understand and learn. This paper presents a design case study that was conceptualized and implemented to introduce noncomputational savvy audience (e.g. students, K-12, senators, elderly, etc.) to the concepts of parallel computational thinking. In order to visualize and better comprehend the data transmission mechanism and algorithmic patterns of parallel computing, a kinetic computing sculpture comprising of a functional cluster of Raspberry Pi computers has been built by an interdisciplinary group of researchers. To evaluate users’ learning experience, a focus group interview with high school students was conducted. Data from the study reveal that students found the sculpture an engaging and effective visual artifact that illustrated parallel computing patterns. After interacting with the sculpture, the participants were able to explain parallel computing to other participants and correctly answer all assessment related questions.

[1]  Dan Saffer,et al.  Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices , 2009 .

[2]  Jeannette M. Wing.  An introduction to computer science for non-majors using principles of computation , 2007, SIGCSE.

[3]  B. Pitman.  MUSES, MUSEUMS, AND MEMORIES , 1999 .

[4]  Phil Hodkinson,et al.  The interrelationships between informal and formal learning , 2003 .

[5]  J. Falk,et al.  Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning , 2000 .

[6]  G. Hein.  Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits , 2009 .

[7]  H. Chad Lane,et al.  Enhancing Informal Learning Experiences with Affect-Aware Technologies , 2015 .

[8]  Zbigniew J. Czech,et al.  Introduction to Parallel Computing , 2017 .

[9]  Andrew Shouse,et al.  Learning science in informal environments : people, places, and pursuits , 2009 .

[10]  Thomas A. Litzinger,et al.  Learning Conceptual Knowledge in the Engineering Sciences: Overview and Future Research Directions , 2008 .

[11]  Chris Dede,et al.  Challenges to learning and schooling in the digital networked world of the 21st century , 2013, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[12]  並木 美砂子.  論考・提言・実践報告 フォークとディアーキング著「博物館からの学習」の紹介 John H. Falk and Lynn D. Dierking,"Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning" , 2006 .

[13]  John Stevenson,et al.  The Long-Term Impact of Interactive Exhibits. , 1991 .

[14]  Kirsti Ala-Mutka,et al.  A study of the difficulties of novice programmers , 2005, ITiCSE '05.

[15]  M. B. Alt,et al.  The Design of Educational Exhibits , 1982 .

[16]  Shuchi Grover,et al.  Computational Thinking in K–12 , 2013 .