BitBlox: A redesign of the Breadboard

Kayla Desportes, Aditya Anupam, Neeti Pathak, Betsy Disalvo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Building physical computing projects can enable learners to integrate computing into a range of interests and disciplines. However, the electronic portion of these projects can be difficult. Students are learning new concepts as well as how to work with new tools. This influx of information can be difficult for students to retain in their working memory as they construct their circuits. In this paper, we introduce BitBlox, a set of modular, solderless Breadboards for prototyping circuits. BitBlox attempts to decrease the cognitive load on the user by reducing the complexity found in the standard Breadboard by bringing visibility to the underlying connections within its modules. We present a comparative classroom study integrating the Breadboard and BitBlox into two different high school classes. Our qualitative analysis focuses on student errors, strategies, and collaborative practices, highlighting important dynamics for designing hardware tools.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of IDC 2016 - The 15th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages255-261
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781450343138
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 21 2016
Event15th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, IDC 2016 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Duration: Jun 21 2016Jun 24 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of IDC 2016 - The 15th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children

Other

Other15th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, IDC 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityManchester
Period6/21/166/24/16

Keywords

  • Design
  • Education
  • Electrical circuits
  • Microcontroller

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Human-Computer Interaction

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