The 'Choc-Machine' - an Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking Using Finite State Machines

@inproceedings{WiPSCE23,
  author    = {Annika Vielsack and Miriam Klein and Thomas Niesenhaus and Mattias Ulbrich},
  title     = {The 'Choc-Machine' - an Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking Using Finite State Machines},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the 18th WiPSCE Conference on Primary and Secondary Computing Education Research},
  year      = {2023},
  month     = sep,
  isbn      = {9798400708510},
  publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
  address   = {New York, NY, USA},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3605468.3609772},
  doi       = {10.1145/3605468.3609772},
  abstract  = {Computational thinking, in particular its central component algorithmic thinking, is one of the more important skills
               in the 21st century. Therefore it should be taught at school. This work proposes a low-threshold course to introduce
               algorithmic thinking to students in lower secondary education using the concept of finite state machines. The course
               is action-based and transitions from unplugged to plugged and even into the real world while sticking to the same
               topic and using the same visualisations throughout the entire course. It revolves around a chocolate vending machine,
               the Choc-Machine, which teaches the basics of finite state machines and eventually enables the students to design and
               formulate their own algorithms that then drive a physical hardware machine.},
  articleno = {25},
  numpages  = {2},
  keywords  = {modeling and design, chocolate, finite state machines, algorithmic thinking, automata, teaching concept, education},
  location  = {Cambridge, United Kingdom},
  series    = {WiPSCE '23}
}