Exploring Physical Computing in Education (incorporating robotics, embedded systems, sensor based systems

Research Group Activity

WMG Outreach. We want to encourage an interest in engineering, science and technology in young people. We prioritise working with local state school educated students, students who would be the first in their family to attend university, students from low socio-economic backgrounds and students who come from neighbourhoods where there is low progression to higher education.

Project Description

Its important that young people understand and are confident users of the wide variety of technologies in our interconnected digital world. Over the last 10 years there has been a wide range of low cost processor based systems available to young people and schools, and this has led to its wide adoption in schools. Its valuable for universities to have a clear understanding of the experience that students may have before embarking on their university course. Working with the WMG outreach team (www.warwick.ac.uk/wmgoutreach), you will undertake a review of the subject area generally classed as physical computing in education (UK primary and secondary). This encompasses a broad range of activities including: robotics, embedded systems, sensor based systems, and other electronic systems. The review includes considering school curriculums topics, tools in use in classrooms, resources used by schools and resources shared by teachers in a variety of different forums. Key tasks: Undertake a literature review of this area. Analyse the information, and explore ways of categorising it. Explore what are the typical activities, tasks and tools in use at key stages in UK primary and secondary education. Use some of the tools typically in use in schools, implementing some of the activities to compare functionality Create a report to present these findings.

Student Level

Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students

Location

This project can be completed remotely.

Skills you can learn from this project

An insight into the range of activities that are taught as 'physical computing' in schools, but which at University is better known as robotics, embedded systems, sensor based systems. A greater understanding of the UK education system, the challenges for schools who often operate with very constrained budgets.

Required Skills

An interest in physical computing, robotics, embedded systems, sensor based systems.

If you wish to apply for this project, fill in the form below including uploading your CV and personal statement, explaining why you want to do this particular internship project. Attachments must be in PDF format.

Project Team

Prof Margaret LowLink opens in a new window