Le « jeu de l'enfant-robot » : une démarche et une réflexion en vue du développement de la pensée algorithmique chez les très jeunes enfants.

Abstract

Can one introduce algorithmic thought to very small children (4-6 year old) ? Can one, at the very least, create with them a series of related activities which help them later in their approach to computers ?The child-robot simulation game is a method which we have developed. The goal is not to teach a computer language. The goal is to help the child to discover, learn and become familiar with ideas which the future computer user, whether involved in programming or not, needs to know.In order to archive this goal, the method is based on a simplified graphic command language and on the different roles that child can play. In being one after the other programmer or programmed, creator and performer, the student little by little learns important ideas. As concerns the larger picture, the child develops various skills including motor skills, lateralization, the system of images, communication skills, discipline, problem solving, road mapping and introduction to the world of technology.