Using LEGO mindstorms to engage students on algorithm design

Students on Basic Programming courses often have difficulties with program design tasks. This problem mainly arises from their lack of program solving skills. To overcome this lack, students´ need to practice. Manipulating real entities can be a useful and motivating strategy to engage students in such endeavor. In this context, several authors have used LEGO Mindstorms robots to help students on basic programming courses. In this paper, we present the results obtained from an experience conducted on a Basic Programming course using those robots to motivate students and to involve them in algorithm design.