FROM A COLLABORATIVE DESIGNING OF STORYTELLING TO A ROBOTIC AND VIRTUAL WORLD REPRESENTATION

Abstract

This paper presents an experiential learning lab focused on building a digital storytelling using both robots with LEGO Mindstorms and virtual worlds with Kodu Game Lab. The experiential laboratory (32 hours) has involved 33 children of secondary schools in a collaborative learning setting in formal (school labs) and informal learning context (external cultural association). In a first phase of the activity children used Lego Mindstorm robotic kits, assembling them and creating a physical environment (pasterboard arenas) where robots were programmed for moving and taking actions. In a second phase children were invited to transfer the physical world built for robots in a new digital storytelling environment designed with Kodu Game Lab, a virtual world that allows to overcome the physical limits imposed by the previous environment. The study highlights as the combined application of robots building and virtual worlds programming helps students to work in groups and is effective to acquire the fundamentals of LEGO and KODU programming.