The learning of fundamental concepts and problem solving strategies in informatics, through the experimentation and classroom research with physical and virtual models of the Turing machine

As a result of our research in the learning of fundamental concepts and problem solving strategies in informatics, we have created a learning environment whose central part is the interaction with a physical and a virtual model of Turing´s machine. This environment is different from the traditional ones: its interaction with the models is natural and gradual, there is a physical interaction as well as a sensorial perception, and the concepts and strategies in its essence are visualized without caring to learn a technical language. As a consequence, the student can conjecture and deepen in his results in an easier way, and reach a more natural conceptualization. Additionally, with this project, new didactic possibilities are open to the Turing machine, which is the simplest model of algorithm.