Arnan (Roger) Sipitakiat Chiang Mai University, Thailand Using Computational Thinking as Means for Human Comprehension OLPC Regional Workshop July 28, 2008

An Example of Computation in Learning

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Method I: Calculus T x

Method II: Computational

Human Comprehension Earth

2 . Pi . (r1-r2)

Balance Control

Children experiencing and thinking about balance control situations.

Simple IF-THEN Rules If angle < 0 [ setpower 8 ] If angle > 0 [ setpower -8 ]

Students’ Observations Car was moving too slowly Car was too “bouncy”

Car was moving too slowly

Car was too “bouncy”

If angle > 10 and angle < 15 [ setpower 6 ] If angle > 5 and angle < 10 [ setpower 4 ] If angle > 0 and angle < 5 [ setpower 2 ] If angle > -15 and angle < -10 [ setpower -6 ] If angle > -10 and angle < -5 [ setpower -4 ] If angle > -5 and angle < 0 [ setpower -2 ] IF-THEN Rules with Gradient

Introducing the idea of Anticipation

Observing Body Motion ? Does this ever happen?

Observing Body Motion Observing live actions Reviewing recorded videos Reviewing recorded sensor data

Observing live actions

Reviewing recorded videos

Reviewing recorded sensor data

Car Speed (Red) Pendulum’s Angle (Yellow) 0

When giving a solution is insufficient Need time and space to negotiate meaning themselves

Top Tip Regulation

Descriptions on Paper

Balance Beam

Spiral Helix Ring

On-orbit Reaction Control System (RCS)

Phase-Plane Controller

Comparison

Conclusions

THANK YOU