Physical Programming for Blind and Low Vision Children at Scale

Abstract

There is a dearth of appropriate tools for young learners with mixed visual abilities to engage with computational learning. Addressing this gap, Torino is a physical programming language for teaching computational learning to children ages 7–11 regardless of level of vision. To create code, children connect physical instruction pods and tune their parameter dials to create music, audio stories, or poetry. Currently, the uptake of novel educational technologies to support inclusive education of children with disabilities continues to be limited at scale. We consider how the Torino Learning Environment supports non-specialist teachers to teach computational learning to children with mixed visual abilities in a UK-wide evaluation with 75 children and 30 teachers over a period of three months. We demonstrate how children can successfully learn with a novel physical programming language. We articulate how key design constructs such as persistent program overview and liveness supported non-specialist teachers to co-produce learning for children of different ages, visual and cognitive abilities. We conclude with reflective guidance on evaluating inclusive educational technologies at scale.

CCS CONCEPTS

Human-centered computing → Accessibility → Empirical studies in accessibility

Supplementary Data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Microsoft Research

Notes on contributors

Cecily Morrison

Cecily Morrison ([email protected]) is a researcher in human-computer interaction with an interest in inclusive design and learning; she is a Researcher in Human-Experience and Design group of Microsoft Research.

Nicolas Villar

Nicolas Villar ([email protected]) is a hardware researcher with an interest in connected play; he is a Senior Researcher in the Human-Experience and Design group of Microsoft Research.

Alex Hadwen-Bennett

Alex Hadwen-Bennett ([email protected]) is an educator with an interest in physical programming and inclusion; he is a Teaching Fellow and PhD student in the Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at King’s College London.

Tim Regan

Tim Regan ([email protected]) is an engineer with an interest in helping all kids program; he is a Senior Research Engineer in the Human-Experience and Design group of Microsoft Research.

Daniel Cletheroe

Daniel Cletheroe ([email protected]) is a hardware engineer with an interest in connected play; he is a Senior Hardware Engineer in the Human-Experience and Design group of Microsoft Research.

Anja Thieme

Anja Thieme ([email protected]) is a researcher in human-computer interaction with an interest in inclusive experiences; she is a Researcher in the Human-Experience and Design group of Microsoft Research.