Janet Hughes

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Janet Hughes is a researcher in computing education and human-computer interaction, with a particular focus on using tangible technologies to foster engagement and learning. Her most cited work, "Robot dance: edutainment or engaging learning" (2011, 10 citations), describes a pioneering Arduino-based robot workshop funded by the Scottish government. This outreach activity was designed to bridge the gap between edutainment and genuine learning, using open-ended problems and physical robots to captivate a diverse audience—from primary 5 pupils to undergraduate students. Hughes’s contribution lies in demonstrating how hands-on, creative tasks can make computing accessible and exciting, challenging the notion that such activities are merely playful. Her work has had a notable impact on informal STEM education, inspiring similar workshops and highlighting the value of constructivist approaches in computing. By blending robotics with open challenges, Hughes has helped shape how educators think about engaging learners of all ages, proving that play and deep learning can coexist. Her research continues to influence outreach and pedagogy in computing.