Abstract:In computer science, computer systems are both, objects of investigation and tools that enable creative
learning and design. Tools for learning have a long tra- dition in computer science education. Already in the late
1960s, Papert developed a concept which had an im- mense impact on the development of informal education
in the following years: his theory of constructionism un- derstands learning as a creative process of knowledge con- struction that is most effective when learners create some- thing purposeful that they can try out, show around, dis- cuss, analyse and receive praise for. By now, there are
numerous learning and programming environments that
are based on the constructionist ideas. Modern tools of- fer opportunities for students to learn in motivating ways
and gain impressive results in programming games, ani- mations, implementing 3D models or developing interac- tive objects. This article gives an overview of computer sci- ence education research related to tools and media to be
used in educational settings. We analyse different types of
tools with a special focus on the categorization and devel- opment of tools for student adequate physical computing
activities in the classroom. Research around the develop- ment and evaluation of tools and learning resources in the
domain of physical computing is illustrated with the ex- ample of “My Interactive Garden", a constructionist learn- ing and programming environment. It is explained how
the results from empirical studies are integrated in the con- tinuous development of the learning material.