Arnan (Roger) SipitakiatChiang Mai University, Thailand

Using Computational Thinking

as Means for Human Comprehension

OLPC Regional WorkshopJuly 28, 2008

An Example of Computation in Learning

http://www.e-cpe.org/olpc/chaba.jpg

Method I: Calculus

2

22

1

22 )(

v

axc

v

xbT

T

x

Method II: Computational

Human Comprehension

Earth

2 . Pi . (r1-r2)

Balance Control

Angular Sensor

Linear Sensor

Children experiencing and thinking about balance control situations.

Simple IF-THEN Rules

If angle < 0 [ setpower 8] If angle > 0 [ setpower -8]

Angle < 0 Angle > 0

Students’ Observations

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

1. Observing live actions

2. Reviewing recorded videos

3. 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