Browsing by Author "Vergara, Katherine"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Boxy Board: Supporting Novice Learners Through a Progressive Disclosure Approach for Physical Computing
    (2025) Vergara, Katherine; Herskovic, Valeria
    Physical computing can be used to teach students computer science concepts in a project-based learning environment. However, this approach can be challenging for novices, as it requires mastering electronics and coding skills simultaneously. This paper presents Boxy Board, a custom-designed physical computing kit aimed at novice students. Rooted in constructivist methodologies and cognitive load theory, Boxy Board aims to reduce cognitive barriers by removing electronic components (e.g., breadboards) while gradually introducing complexity, scaffolding electronic and coding concepts through a progressive disclosure approach. This paper outlines the design, prototyping, and implementation process of Boxy Board. We conducted a usability evaluation with sixth-grade students, using pre- and post- questionnaires and interviews. The study shows that Boxy Board is usable by children and that they enjoyed their experience with it. We provide recommendations for improvements, and we establish that it is possible to implement progressive disclosure successfully in a physical computing educational setting.