PROGRAMAÇÃO ORIENTADA A BLOCOS NO ENSINO DE LÓGICA DE PROGRAMAÇÃO: UMA ABORDAGEM BASEADA NO KIT EDUCACIONAL MBOT

Abstract

Technological advances have created a growing need for robotics and computerized systems; however, studies show that subjects such as algorithms and programming are challenging and lead to high failure rates and consequently high dropout rates in courses that train technology professionals. Some studies point out that the lack of computer science preparation in schools contributes to a negative perception of the field, furthering this situation. It is assumed that including a computational education that promotes computational thinking and autonomy in problem-solving could help address this issue. In this context, educational robotics with kits like mBot facilitates the teaching of robot construction and programming, encouraging creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills in young people. Thus, in the present work, mBlock's block-based programming is used to promote the learning of programming logic in an easy and intuitive way. The methodology employed consists of developing illustrated teaching materials in simple and objective language, followed by workshops with elementary and high school students using the mBlock app to conduct experiments and challenges based on active methodologies, such as Problem-Based Learning, along with block-based programming and the mBot robot. To verify the effectiveness of the method, the performance of students, who have little knowledge or have never had contact with programming, is evaluated through observation during the proposed activities. As a result, it was observed that students initially faced many difficulties adapting to the platform, as well as when performing activities with new concepts about programming structures, particularly loops. Nevertheless, the students' performance exceeded expectations, as they progressed very quickly despite having little programming knowledge, and some even went beyond what was proposed in the experiments. Among the expected impacts, the development of students' logical reasoning considering the challenges they faced stands out. Through this workshop, it is expected that some students will be influenced to pursue careers in technology fields.