Bridging Music and Computing: Using a Robotic Dhol to Teach Music in an Embodied Classroom

This study explores interdisciplinary interactions between learning through the Arts and Computer Science in an embodied classroom. Improving Computing Literacy at a young age has incredible benefits, especially with the increasing adoption of Artificial intelligence. This research study explores Music as a pathway to Computer Science (CS) by engaging middle and high school students in an after-school program with a musical robot. Learning modules introduce CS concepts such as algorithm design, problem decomposition and debugging. A preliminary study in our lab showed that Music and CS can intersect when discussing concepts like looping and debugging. Results from the study showed that interest in CS and getting feedback in the form of music had a significant impact in learning.