Nelson Mandela University

The project originated from an Honours project by Byron Batteson (2017) during which he investigated the use of Tangible Coding to introduce learners to coding without the need of computers, internet or electricity. This is also referred to as unplugged. The app he developed makes use tangible tokens and image recognition, where coding constructs are implemented to solve a grid challenge on the phone’s screen.

Since 2017, various follow-up coding apps utilising the same principle have been developed, complemented by an extensive suite of training and teaching materials.

The work has resulted in numerous research outputs, including 5 journal papers, 12 conference papers, 8 PhD studies (with one complete), and 7 Master’s studies (with 2 complete). Currently, Ethics is being applied for an IFIP study driven by a UK academic on the impact of the project on the SA coding landscape.