I n many educational computer projects,. c~ldren control and manipulate worlds that exist m the computer. Using one program, children can control the movements of Newtonian "dynaturtles" in physics microworlds.' Using a different program, children can create and manipulate simulated urban worlds, constructing houses, roads, and factories, and setting tax rates for the city.' That is, what if children could spread computation throughout their own personal worlds? For example, a child might attach a tiny computer to a door, then program the computer to make lights tum on automatically whenever anyone enters the room. Or the child might program the computer to greet people as they enter the room---or to sound an alarm if anyone enters the room at night. In this paper, we describe a new technology, called the Programmable Brick (Figure 1 ), that makes such activities possible, and we explore how this new technology might open new learning opportunities for children. The Programmable Brick is a tiny, portable computer embedded inside a pocket-sized LEGO** brick. The brick is capable of interacting with the physical world in a large variety of ways (including sensors and infrared communication). The Programmable Brick makes possible a wide range of new design activities for children, encouraging children to see themselves as designers and inventors. At the same time, we believe that these activities could fundamentally change how children think about (and relate to) computers and computational ideas. Our work on the Programmable Brick fits within an area of research sometimes known as "ubiquitous computing." This research aims to change the nature of computing in very fundamental ways. As described in one research article: "We live in a complex world, filled with myriad objects, tools, toys, and people. Our lives are spent in diverse interaction with this environment. Yet, for the most part, our computing takes place sitting in front of, and staring at, a single glowing screen attached to an array of buttons and a mouse."? Ubiquitous computing, by contrast, aims at "integrating computers seamlessly into the world at large." The goal is to spread computation throughout ©Copyright 1996 by International Business Machines Corporation. Copying in printed form for private use is permitted without payment of royalty provided that (l) each reproduction is done without alteration and (2) the Journal reference and IBM copynght notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract, but no other portions, of this paper may be copied or distributed royalty free without further permission by computer-based and other information-service systems. Permission to republish any other portion of this paper must be obtained from the Editor.
The most innovative work in this area is Programmable Bricks REF .
Programmable Bricks: Toys to Think With
IBM Syst. J.
IBM Syst. J.
Computer Science