One focus was learning about a simple computer programming language called LOGO that was developed at MIT as an educational aid for children. In Logo the cursor is a “turtle” who moves across the screen creating graphics based on the commands given by the children. We learned some basic Logo commands, and students then worked on writing out programs (a series of commands) which they could type into the computer to see the results. This project has generated a good deal of excitement in our group. Initially the students worked in partnerships, helping each other as they learned. Then each student had an opportunity to work on a laptop solo. Logo helps students develop their spatial/geometric sense as well as providing good problem solving experience, as they try to figure out how to make the turtle create the drawings they want.
