RoboCode & problem-based learning

The fundamental principle behind Problem-based Learning (PBL) is that the problem is the driving force that initiates the learning. In order to function effectively in a PBL environment a good set of problems is required. Solving problems is a vital element within Computer Science and yet the discipline has been slow to embrace PBL as an approach to learning. The net result means that there are few good PBL problems available to assist new practitioners with implementation. PBL emphasizes a real-world approach to learning, and we present a RoboCode Competition as a candidate for a good , realistic PBL problem within the computer science discipline. We list and identify the criteria that categorise a PBL problem as good and validate the RoboCode domain against these criteria. We argue that the concept of freedom --- in different guises --- plays a key role in making PBL a good mechanism for teaching programming, and for making RoboCode a good domain for PBL.